Regan Poole said the fine margins cost City after an encouraging start at Shrewsbury Town.
The Imps fell to a first defeat in five matches in Shropshire but Poole is taking confidence from the bright spells the Imps had during the game.
He said: “We looked a threat in the opening stages but then it died off and the game became a bit scrappy which suited them.
“We created enough chances in the first 20 minutes to win the game. The team played well in patches and I think if we had scored the opening goal then we would have won the game.
“We can take confidence from the start as we got into good little pockets behind their midfield. We just did not take advantage of it.”
Poole is also eager to move on from Saturday’s result and is eyeing up the next match against Wycombe Wanderers as City aim to extend their positive form at home.
He added: “It is a disappointing result but we need to put it behind us and get back to putting a good run together like we have been doing before. We have played worse this season and won which is frustrating, but that is football.
“We need to move onto Wycombe next weekend. Our home form is strong and we will be aiming to get three points. Bring on the test as we are looking forward to it.”