Ethan Hamilton’s long-range leveller helped City come from behind to earn a point at home to Carlisle United.
Carlisle started on the front foot, with Sean Maguire having an early effort on goal after he was allowed time to roll a tame shot straight into the gloves of Lukas Jensen from outside the box.
City responded to this early pressure and had a chance of their own as Sean Roughan’s long throw from the left was met by Paudie O’Connor who did well to stand his ground and flick a header just over the crossbar.
Paul Simpson’s side then took the lead in the 19th minute as Owen Moxon’s wide free-kick from the edge of the area was met first by Luke Plange who got in front of Ethan Hamilton to flick the ball home.
The Imps could’ve equalised shortly afterwards through some neat build-up play which saw Ali Smith lay the ball off for Jack Burroughs who cut into the box and fired low into Jokull Andresson’s body.
Plange looked poised to net a second for his side after Maguire raced down the left in space to float a delivery towards the frontman, however Jensen was well-placed to deal with the cross.
The Cumbrians continued to create the better openings as Plange rolled the ball across for Moxon outside the box whose first-time effort was held by the City goalie.
Smith looked to be a threat for the Imps and in the 37th minute he sent a low driving effort towards the bottom right corner from distance which had to be tipped around the post by Andresson.
City started the second half brightly and pulled themselves level in the 50th minute after Ethan Hamilton smashed a 25-yard effort into the bottom right corner following a smart lay-off from Hackett.
Jensen was called into action in the 56th minute after Moxon was picked out in the centre of the box from the right, although his first-time strike was denied by the Dane who got down well.
The Imps still looked an improved side in the second half as Bishop’s shot was held before Hakeeb Adelakun couldn’t find the required contact from an inviting ball across the face of goal.
Hamilton almost put his side in front with eight minutes of normal time remaining after his free-kick from a central position whistled the wrong side of the post, meaning the Imps had to settle for a point.
Imps: Lukas Jensen, Lasse Sorensen, Ethan Erhahon, Reeco Hackett (Dylan Duffy 68’), Ali Smith (Hakeeb Adelakun 46’), Ted Bishop (Jaden Brown 75’), Ethan Hamilton, Paudie O’Connor ©, Jack Burroughs, Sean Roughan, Alex Mitchell. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, TJ Eyoma, Oisin Gallagher, Jovon Makama.
Goals: Hamilton (50’).
Carlisle: Jokull Andresson, Finn Back, Jack Armer, Owen Moxon, Sam Lavelle, Paul Huntington ©, Jordan Gibson, Callum Guy, Jon Mellish, Sean Maguire (Joe Garner 64’), Luke Plange (Terry Ablade 63’). Subs (not used): Tomas Holy, Ryan Edmondson, Alfie McCalmont, Corey Whelan, Jack Robinson.
Goals: Plange (19’).
Referee: Tom Nield.
Attendance: 8,514 (645 away).