City returned to winning ways in Sky Bet League One with a 1-0 win over Oxford United.

Oxford had the first chance of the game as James Henry’s corner was knocked out to Marcus Browne on the edge of the box who took a touch before drilling narrowly wide of the post.

Browne went close again in the 13th minute after he found space just outside the box to strike first-time which took a deflection on the way through and dropped just wide of the top left corner.

The Imps created a chance of their own three minutes later when Ted Bishop played a quick pass forward for Mide Shodipo to control on the turn and send into Simon Eastwood’s gloves from 20-yards out.

Mark Kennedy’s side were awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute as Danny Mandroiu nipped in front of Sam Long and caught his knee on his way through.

Mandroiu also took responsibility of the spot kick which he smashed down the middle to give his side the lead and net his fifth league goal of the campaign.

The U’s almost made an instant response when Browne wriggled his way past two defenders on the way to the byline before Kyle Joseph’s angled effort was sent clear of danger by Sean Roughan.

Craig Short’s side had another cleared away from danger in the 37th minute as Henry’s corner was sent goalwards by Long and diverted off the line by Ben House.

Oxford began the second half on the front foot but failed to take full advantage, with the best chance falling to Gatlin O’Donkor who fired over after Carl Rushworth’s dropped the ball from a corner.

The Imps were under pressure through parts of the second half but continued to stand their ground as Yanic Wildschut latched onto Lewis Montsma’s header clear to force a diving save from Rushworth at his near post.

City’s stopper was called into action again in the 86th minute as he reacted quickly to deny O’Donkor’s free header from close range to keep the Imps’ lead intact heading into the closing stages.

Mandroiu went close to putting the game out of sight in the 88th minute after his 25-yard free-kick flew over the wall and almost caught Eastwood out as he almost spilt the ball over the line. 

City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole ©, Lewis Montsma, Ted Bishop (Charles Vernam 80’), Mide Shodipo (Jack Diamond 58’), Ethan Erhahon, Paudie O’Connor, Ben House, Danny Mandroiu (Luke Plange 89’), Lasse Sorensen (Max Sanders 80’), Sean Roughan. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Harry Boyes.

Goals: Mandroiu (23’ pen).

Oxford: Simon Eastwood, Sam Long, Stuart Findlay, Elliott Moore ©, Cameron Brannagan, Marcus Browne (Yanic Wilschut 76’), Lewis Bate (Marcus McGuane 76’), Ciaron Brown, James Henry, Kyle Joseph (Gatlin O’Donkor 57’), Tyler Goodrham (Djavan Anderson 85’). Subs (not used): Eddie McGinty, Brandon Fleming, Oisin Smyth.

Referee: Lewis Smith.

Attendance: 8,092 (594 away).