Lincoln City were suffering from a New Year hangover as they lost 2-1 at home to Bradford City on New Year’s Day.

The away side took advantage of some lax defending from the Imps after just two minutes when James Hanson bundled the ball into the goal to give the Bantams the lead. Ashley Grimes equalised from the spot for City but a Gareth Evans goal just before half time gave Bradford all three points.

The result means Lincoln remain in 22nd position in League Two, only out of the relegation zone by virtue of their superior goal difference over Barnet.

In what was their first league game since the heavy defeat to Bury on 23rd November, manager Steve Tilson made the decision to begin with Delroy Facey and Grimes as his striking duo. That meant misfiring striker Ben Hutchinson had to make do with a place on the bench.

Such a disappointing result is likely to increase the pressure on Tilson to bring in new faces this month with the January transfer window now open—a defender is likely to be top of his wishlist.

Lincoln’s next match sees them travel to the struggling Northampton Town. The Cobblers lost 2-0 to Crewe Alexandra this afternoon.