City extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a battling draw at Forest Green Rovers.

The Imps made a fast start and were ahead after just four minutes after Regan Poole found space on the right to cross in to Ben House who connected with the ball on the run to send it high into the net.

Forest Green almost found themselves level two minutes later as Corey O’Keeffe delivered into the centre of the box from the right flank to Dom Bernard who put his effort narrowly wide.

Charlie Savage was next up to try and pull his side back on level terms when his low first-time shot from the edge of the area was held comfortably by Carl Rushworth in the 28th minute.

City could have doubled their lead in the 35th minute as Harry Boyes picked up possession inside the hosts’ box before slipping Mide Shodipo in on goal who could only rifle his effort over the crossbar.

The Imps controlled large parts of possession throughout the opening 45 minutes and had a half chance to make this count as TJ Eyoma got on the end of Ethan Erhahon’s stoppage time corner but headed over.

After making a triple change at the break Duncan Ferguson’s side came out with more confidence which saw them equalise in the 58th minute through a combination of two former Imps.

Jamie Robson’s cross into the area was touched down by Myles Peart-Harris for Jordon Garrick  who opened up a shooting angle to curl into the far corner past the outstretched Rushworth.

The Imps fought back and almost retook the lead as Vernam’s long range effort was pushed wide before the resulting corner was headed goalwards by Paudie O’Connor and cleared off the line by Ben Stevenson.

The forward run of O’Keeffe in behind the City defence was spotted by a Rovers team-mate in the 74th minute but the defender failed to compose himself as his tame effort landed into Rushworth’s grasp.

A clever corner routine from Mark Kennedy’s men in the 81st minute almost saw them go back in front as Diamond clipped the ball to Bishop on the edge who took a touch before having his goalbound effort deflected over.

Forest Green were denied late on when Peart-Harris’ struck low towards the bottom corner from inside the box but Rushworth got down well to push his shot past the post - leaving the sides to settle for a point apiece.

Forest Green: Ross Doohan, Corey O’Keeffe (Kyle McAllister 84’), Dom Bernard (Udoka Godwin-Malife 46’), Oliver Casey, Ben Stevenson, Jordon Garrick (Jahmari Clarke 88’), Jamie Robson, Amadou Bakayoko (Tyrese Omotoye 46’), Brandon Cooper, Myles Peart-Harris ©, Charlie Savage (Dylan McGeough 46’). Subs (not used): Lewis Thomas, Charlie McCann. 

Goals: Garrick (58’).

City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole, Harry Boyes (Lasse Sorensen 68’), Ted Bishop (Luke Plange 83’), Mide Shodipo (Charles Vernam 59’), Ethan Erhahon, Paudie O’Connor, Ben House, TJ Eyoma, Sean Roughan, Jack Diamond. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Max Sanders.

Goals: House (4’).

Referee: Craig Hicks.

Attendance: 2,707 (397 away).