City will participate in the FAWNL Plate this season following a 3-0 defeat to Boldmere St Michaels in the determining round of the FAWNL Cup.

The Imps were punished for a slow start as Gabby Maia drilled the ball past Poppy Irvine to give the hosts an early advantage.

Faith Horner did her best to muster an immediate response as she tested Jodie Whiteman with a looping header.

Maia then had another opportunity for the Mikes, but Irvine made a magnificent stop to deny the striker.

Maia doubled Boldmere’s lead against the run of play as she followed up on Trina Greaves’ effort which had been well saved by Irvine.

The Imps almost reduced the deficit just before the break when Millie Quaintance struck the crossbar with a great effort.

Just three minutes into the second half, after initially being denied by Irvine, Maia completed her hat-trick by poking her second attempt past the luckless goalkeeper.

City pushed for a way back into the game, and nearly found it when Chantelle Robinson forced Whiteman into a good save, with Boldmere scrambling the loose ball clear before Maddi Green could pounce.

Green then came even closer when she was left in space at the back post, but her shot was blocked on the line.

The Imps are back in action on Sunday 3 September away at Leek Town in the FA Women’s National League.