The Belles suffered a frustrating night as they were beaten at Lincoln City Women.
Manager Andy Butler was forced to shuffle his pack, with top goalscorer Jasmine Saxton ruled out through injury. Nadia Khan was pushed into a more central attacking role, with Hannah McWilliams and Jess Andrew offering support.
The opening exchanges were tight, with the home side not afraid to try their luck with shots from distance through Ellie Gilliatt and Leah Hardy.
Khan sent an effort wide before the Belles created their best chance of the opening half after 24 minutes.
Charlotte Dinsdale’s ball down the left set Jess Andrew free, with Hannah McWilliams at full stretch to get a foot on the cross but one able to send the ball wide.
The Imps took the lead after 28 minutes with a stunning finish from Hardy. The ball set up nicely for her in midfield and her first-time effort looped into the far corner leaving Ellie Sharpe with no chance.
McWilliams had a cross blocked before firing the rebound wide, but Lincoln doubled their lead just before the break when a deep ball front he left found its way in at the far post despite the best efforts of Izzy Trevillion.
Lincoln snuffed out hopes of a Belles fightback when Amy Kay and Ashleigh Housley-Scott fired home from corners, leaving the visitors playing for pride.
Lily Harrison, Chloe Dean and Debbie Barry all came on for the visitors as Butler looked to take the game to the Imps.
Lincoln added gloss to the result when Hardy smashed home her second of the night from the penalty spot.
Sophie Scargill and Andrew had efforts on goal for the Belles, but there was to be no consolation goal.