Imps head coach Michael Skubala was pleased by the character his side showed in a battling second-half performance at Birmingham City.
An early strike from the impressive Ayumu Yokoyama, coupled with a stunning individual effort from Lyndon Dykes, did the damage for Blues.
City pushed and were clearly the better side in the second period. Jovon Makama pulled a goal back but the home team managed to hold on for a 2-1 win.
Skubala said: "I was really pleased with our performance in the second half . We knew it would be a tough game as they've got some quality in their team, with great depth.
"It's a tough place to come to but we can't start the game the way we did, conceding so early. We just got caught and that made it an uphill battle.
"I was pleased with the character of the lads and how they kept pushing. I felt during the later stages of the first half we started to get more on top, gaining more territory and creating half-chances.
"Then in the second half we looked the better team, and that's more how I want us to look. We pushed the game and looked like we could get on top. We kept going and got a penalty and created further chances towards the end of the game.
"When we get into the final third, we have to be more clinical when the opportunities come - whether that's the final pass, final cross, final action or shot. We just have to keep working on it."
