Lincoln City hosted Birmingham City in SkyBet League One action, losing 3-1 at the LNER Stadium.
Willum Willumsson added to a Keshi Anderson brace which secured Birmingham all three points, despite Lincoln scoring early through Bailey Cadamarteri.
Michael Skubala made three changes from their last league match against Leyton Orient two weeks ago. Ben House made his return alongside Cadamarteri and Jack Moylan, who replaced the injured Tom Bayliss and Jovon Makama, as well as Freddie Draper.
It Only Takes 33 Seconds:
Lincoln City opened the scoring in 33 seconds thanks to Cadamarteri. Tom Hamer produced a long throw in to the box, which was flicked on by Paudie O’Connor before being tapped in by the Sheffield Wednesday loanee.
City didn’t slow down following their early goal. The Imps pinned Birmingham into their own half and tested the defence with their dangerous long throws and corner-kick routines.
The Blues responded just over 10 minutes later thanks to Anderson. The winger turned his man and buried it into the bottom right corner, George Wickens had no chance of saving it.
The equaliser Birmingham a kick of confidence. The Blues dominated possession and tried to play through the Imps, who held their defensive block well to keep the scoreline level.
Alfie May came close to giving Birmingham the lead after taking down a long ball to the back post, but his effort was wide of goal.
May again was a danger to the Lincoln City goal, with a speculative effort from 25-yards out which clipped the outside of the goal, with Wickens unable to get close to it.
Settled From the Penalty Spot:
Birmingham took the lead seven minutes into the second half. Willumsson received the ball just outside the box, took it out his feet and nestled it into the bottom corner, with no chance for Wickens to save it.
It was a deserved lead for Birmingham, who had dominated the match after the first 15 minutes.
Conor McGrandles won Lincoln a penalty with 20 minutes to go. Tendayi Darikwa put the Scot in behind, and he was tripped as he went to play the ball.
Reeco Hackett was given the responsibility of taking the spot-kick, but Ryan Allsop denied him the chance to score his first goal after returning from injury.
Anderson gave Birmingham their third of the game with 12 minutes to go. A lovely team goal of flicks was finished by Anderson, who got his second of the match with a tidy finish past Wickens.
Full Time: Lincoln City 1-3 Birmingham City
Despite the speedy start, Lincoln were unable to capitalise and take a true advantage of the game. The quality Birmingham possesses became apparent, as they keep their advantage to two points.
Lincoln, meanwhile, drop to eighth position following the defeat.
Next up for the Imps is a trip to Crawley on Tuesday night, as they hope to get back to winning ways in the league.
Feature Image Credit: Graham Burrell