Two saves from Lukas Jensen in a penalty shootout propelled City into the third round of the Carabao Cup at the expense of Premier League Sheffield United.
Jensen saved from Louie Marsh and Benie Traore, as the Imps triumphed 3-2 after battling to a goalless draw at Bramall Lane.
It was an even start in South Yorkshire as the Imps held their shape to prevent any threatening Sheffield United attacks in the opening stages, with Ollie Norwood’s audacious effort from his own half the closest either side went early on.
City’s first shot on target came in the 23rd minute as Jack Burroughs’ long throw into the box was recycled by Ali Smith who laid it off to Reeco Hackett whose curling effort was easily held by Adam Davies.
The Blades responded with a spell of possession which saw the ball drop to Oli McBurnie just inside the area who composed himself to send a low effort at goal which was bravely blocked by Jaden Brown.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side looked to take control of the game after the break and created a neat opportunity in the 52nd minute as Louis Marsh’s ball through to Cameron Archer was struck low and pushed away by a strong hand from Lukas Jensen.
Ted Bishop had the City supporters off their feet in the 58th minute with a surging run forward from the halfway line, although his low driven effort was blocked by a well-placed John Egan.
Bishop was involved in another chance a few minutes later after Mandroiu attempted to feed him through from the edge of the box, however the midfielder’s effort on the stretch went wide of the target.
The Blades went close to taking the lead with around 20 minutes remaining as Adam Jackson’s last ditch block from Femi Seriki’s delivery almost found the net before John Egan’s header from Ollie Norwood’s wide free-kick bounced wide of the post.
The hosts kept the pressure on the closing stages as they went in search of a winner, but the Imps stood their ground and managed to keep it goalless ahead of the penalty shootout.
Sheffield United: Adam Davies, Auston Trusty, Chris Basham, Oli McBurnie (Benie Traore 46’), Cameron Archer (Will Osula 63’), John Egan ©, Ollie Norwood, Ismaila Coulibaly, Jayden Bogle (Femi Seriki 63’), Yasser Larouci (Jili Buyabu 63’), Andre Brooks (Louis Marsh 46’). Subs (not used): Wes Foderingham, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Anis Slimane.
Imps: Lukas Jensen, Jaden Brown (Lasse Sorensen 66’), Ethan Erhahon ©, Reeco Hackett (Ethan Hamilton 80’), Ali Smith (Jovon Makama 80’), Danny Mandroiu, Jack Burroughs, Ben House (Ted Bishop 46’), TJ Eyoma, Sean Roughan (Adam Jackson 66’), Alex Mitchell. Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Dylan Duffy, Oisin Gallagher.
Referee: Paul Tierney.
Attendance:11,040.