The Imps fell to their first defeat of the season at high-flying Peterborough United, who showed why they are favourites for promotion.
Braces from Jack Marriott and Jonson Clarke-Harris proved enough for Posh to claim all three points in the August sunshine.
Peterborough had an early chance to open the scoring after Joe Ward’s cross from the right made its way to Jack Marriott who turned towards goal and had his effort deflected against the underside of the crossbar by TJ Eyoma.
The hosts went close again in the eighth minute when Marriott played Jonson Clarke-Harris in behind City’s defence, but the forward was denied by Jordan Wright who got down well to push away the shot.
The pressure continued from Posh in the early stages and they hit the woodwork again in the 14th minute through a well-worked free-kick routine - which resulted in Harrison Burrows’ cross finding Marriott who rattled the bar with his header.
Marriott was determined to find the opener and was denied once again after he was picked out by Jack Taylor and denied by Wright at his near post who palmed the shot past the post from close-range.
Grant McCann’s side went ahead in the 21st minute after a crossfield ball was taken down by Marriott and fired back across goal past the outstretched arm of Wright.
City responded immediately as a cross from Robson caused trouble for Lucas Bergstromm but was rescued by his defenders who knocked the ball away from danger.
The Posh were provided with an opportunity to double their lead in the 28th minute after Paudie O’Connor brought down Ward inside the area and Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot. Clarke-Harris took responsibility for the resulting penalty and sent it down the middle, with Wright diving the wrong way.
Wright was then called into action twice within the space of 10 minutes as Clarke-Harris’ effort from distance was saved before Marriott took down a long ball over the top and was smothered by the goalie.
A third goal came for the hosts just before the break when Ward beat Robson on the right flank before he picked out Clarke-Harris at the back post who stroked the ball home.
Peterborough scored their fourth of the game in the 50th minute after a ball over the top sent Marriott through on goal and he slotred it past Wright.
The Imps looked to pull one back in the 55th minute as Tom Hopper knocked the ball down to Max Sanders inside the area who forced Bergstrom into a save at his near post.
Sanders was involved in the Imps’ next chance as his goalbound free-kick from 20-yards out was flicked over the wall by the Peterborough wall during the 74th minute.
Although City were beaten on the day, the travelling fans showed their appreciation by applauding the players as they showed their thanks for the incredible backing on the day.
Peterborough: Lucas Bergstrom, Ronnie Edwards, Frankie Kent, Jeando Fuchs, Jack Taylor, Jonson Clarke-Harris © (Joe Taylor 81’), Nathan Thompson (Josh Knight 61’), Jack Marriott, Harrison Burrows (Joe Tomlinson 61’), Joe Ward (David Ajiboye 70’), Ben Thompson (Hector Kyprianou 70’). Subs (not used): Will Blackmore, Ricky-Jade Jones.
Goals: Marriott (21’, 50’), Clarke-Harris (29’ pen, 43’).
Imps: Jordan Wright, Regan Poole, Max Sanders, Tom Hopper ©, Ted Bishop (Tashan Oakley-Boothe 59’), Anthony Scully (Sean Roughan 46’), Jordan Garrick (Charley Kendall 59’), Paudie O’Connor, Jamie Robson, Lasse Sorensen, TJ Eyoma. Subs (not used): Sam Green, Charles Vernam, Jay Benn, Chris Maguire.
Referee: Rebecca Welch.
Attendance: 9,040 (1,633 away).