Bristol City boss Michael Skubala suffered defeat against his former club as Freddie Draper's second-half goal gave Lincoln a 1-0 Championship victory. The decisive moment came on 53 minutes when Ben House intercepted Rob Dickie's miscued back-pass, leaving goalkeeper Sam Tickle stranded, and set up Draper to shoot into an unguarded net.

The home side fought hard to level but Lincoln, promoted under Skubala last season, defended strongly. Bristol City gave a home debut to 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Gibson Yah as one of three changes, while Lincoln made five changes including a first League start for Chiedozie Ogbene.

All meaningful action in a competitive first half came in the opening half-hour. Rio Cardines' pinpoint corner saw Lorent Tolaj head against the crossbar. Draper's goal rewarded Lincoln for a bright start to the second half. Dickie's night ended by injury on 72 minutes, Rob Atkinson taking over.

Bristol built pressure but Yah's close-range shot was blocked. The best the hosts could offer was an injury time effort from Dom Ballard that passed harmlessly wide.