City were defeated in their first Sky Bet EFL League One game at home against Barnsley, despite a second half strike from Ben House.
The Imps made an early venture forward with Tom Bayliss winning the first corner of the game, which was cleared away by a Barnsley defender.
The Tykes took the lead in the 13th minute, Sam Cosgrove took down a cross and curled it into the bottom left corner.
Tendayi Darikwa broke forward before laying it off to Jovon Makama, who had his effort saved by Gabriel Slonina.
City were putting the pressure on Barnsley going into the break, House stole the ball away from a Barnsley defender and after a one-two with Makama placed his shot wide of the mark.
JJ McKiernan was the next to go close after he was found free on the right hand side by Ethan Erhahon but his shot whistled just wide of the far post.
City’s final effort of the first half came from House who dragged an acrobatic effort wide.
Barnsley extended their lead in the early stages of the second half, Marc Roberts heading his effort past George Wickens.
Jack Moylan was the first change introduced by Michael Skubala in the 53rd minute, replacing McKiernan.
Bayliss broke through the Barnsley midfield, driving forward and laying the ball off to Makama, who fired an effort from the edge of the box into the gloves of Slonina.
House pulled one back for the Imps with an acrobatic effort after a deep corner from Dylan Duffy was headed back into the area by Paudie O’Connor.
O’Connor almost brought City level but his header was straight at Slonina.
There was late pressure from the Imps, but Michael Skubala’s side ultimately couldn’t find an equaliser.
City: Wickens, Darikwa, Jackson (Hamer 75’), O’Connor, Roughan, Duffy, Erhahon, McKiernan (Moylan 53’), Bayliss, House (Street 85’), Makama (Draper 75’).
Goals: House (70).
Subs (not used): Jeacock, Jefferies, McGrandles.
Barnsley: Slonina, Cotter (Lofthouse 79’), Roberts, De Gevigney, Phillips (Gent 88’), Cosgrove, Craig (Russell 56’), Earl, Watters (Marsh 57’), Connell.
Goals: Cosgrove (13), Roberts (47).
Subs (not used): Killip, O’Keeffe, Lopata.
Attendance: 9,768 (1,845 away).
