Former Imps were once again scattered across the leagues this weekend, and many had notable contributions.
Jovon Makama continued his fine run of form for Norwich City, scoring after 26 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Stoke City. He was replaced shortly after the break, but that made it two goals in two games for the young striker.
Aaron Lewis played a decisive role at Mansfield Town, setting up Dom Dwyer’s late winner in their 2-1 victory over Rotherham United.
At Bolton Wanderers, Ethan Erhahon’s difficult start went on as he came off the bench late in a surprise 2-0 defeat against Northampton Town. For the Cobblers, Jack Vale entered the game after 34 minutes but was withdrawn near the end.
Paudie O’Connor missed Reading’s draw with Stockport County through injury, while Sean Roughan and Joe Taylor were unused substitutes in Huddersfield Town’s narrow 1-0 win against Exeter City, where Lasse Sorensen started.
Max Sanders was on the assist sheet for Crewe Alexandra, teeing up Mickey Demetriou’s early strike in their 2-1 win against Notts County. Tyler Walker made a short cameo for Barrow in their victory at Crawley Town, picking up a booking in his brief spell on the pitch.
Colchester United leaned on Jack Payne, who scored from the spot and set up a second for Danny Cowley’s side, but they still went down 4-2 at Fleetwood Town. Mark Helm, who once faced the Imps with Manchester United’s U21s, came off the bench to score in stoppage time for the Cod Army.
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver also deserves credit, his side inflicting the first defeat in more than 20 matches on Gareth Ainsworth’s Gillingham. Meanwhile, Grimsby Town’s emphatic 7-1 win over Cheltenham Town was full of familiar faces. Jaze Kabia, son of former Imp Jason, found the net, while Charles Vernam added a goal and an assist. Cheltenham ended the game with nine men after Harry Pell and former City forward Lee Angol were both dismissed.
At Shrewsbury, Michael Appleton endured more frustration with a 2-1 loss to MK Dons. Sam Clucas provided the assist for their consolation, John Marquis started without making much of an impression, and Anthony Scully remained unused.
Ollie Palmer kept up his good form at Swindon Town with the opening goal, while Aaron Drinan, once linked with the Imps, added a second to lift Ian Holloway’s side up the table.
Dropping into the National League, Vadaine Oliver scored for Hartlepool United in their draw with Tamworth.
Over in Ireland, Zane Okoro marked his first start with his first goal for Coleraine. He latched onto a Levi Ives pass, controlled on his chest and clipped the ball goalwards, with Carrick Rangers defender Ryan McKay applying the final touch as the Bannsiders drew level before the break.