City fell to their first home league defeat of the season.
It was an even opening 15 minutes, with the best effort coming from Burton’s Beryly Lubala who found space just outside the box to fire towards the near post and force a diving save from Lukas Jensen.
Both sides continued to battle it out to gain a real foothold in the match, with City going close in the 31st minute as Lasse Sorensen’s well-worked corner out to Ted Bishop was sent just over the bar.
Bishop was involved again a few minutes later when he found Danny Mandroiu midway inside Burton’s half who took aim but had his shot deflected into Max Crocombe’s grasp.
Burton still remained in the contest and looked to threaten on the counter as Mason Bennett broke down the left, however his cross into the centre was blocked by Ethan Erhahon pounced on by Jensen.
The Imps continued to search for the opening goal as Paudie O’Connor’s ball through to Jack Burroughs on the left side of Burton’s box had to be tipped over by the keeper.
Dino Maamria’s side started the second half on the front foot and caused issues for the Imps as Lubala’s dangerous cross had to be headed clear before Deji Oshilaja’s shot from the byline almost crept in.
City were reduced to 10 men after Mandroiu’s strong challenge on Josh Gordon was deemed a red card offence by referee Rebecca Welch.
The Imps then found themselves a goal behind a few minutes later as Joe Powell’s inswinging corner found a way past Jack Burroughs on the front post and snuck into the back of the net.
Burton went close to doubling their lead from another corner when Powell’s delivery towards Sam Hughes at the back post was caught by Jensen who had to get across his goalline quickly.
City continued to battle through the rainy conditions in the closing stages but were unable to find a late leveller and ultimately fell to defeat.
Imps: Lukas Jensen, Lasse Sorensen, Alex Mitchell (Sean Roughan 74’), Adam Jackson, Paudie O’Connor ©, Jack Burroughs, Ethan Erahahon (Ali Smith 82’), Ethan Hamilton, Ted Bishop (Hakeeb Adelakun 66’), Danny Mandroiu, Reeco Hackett (Dylan Duffy 82’). Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, TJ Eyoma, Mide Shodipo.
Burton: Max Crocombe, Steve Seddon, Deji Oshilaja ©, Sam Hughes, Ryan Sweeney, Joe Powell, Josh Gordon (Jake Caprice 60’), Mason Bennett (Rakeem Harper 66’), Berylu Lubala, Kwadwo Baah, Tom Hamer. Subs (not used): Jamal Blackman, Ciaran Gilligan, Mustapha Carayol, Josh Walker, Cole Stockton.
Goal: Powell (58’).
Attendance: 7,776 (339 away).
Referee: Rebecca Welch.