Lincoln’s depth was tested by injuries at the weekend and they fell behind when Southwell kicked a penalty, which was awarded after a high tackle by Grant Cowe.

However, the hosts soon responded after sustained pressure inside Southwell’s 22 led to a penalty being given, which Dixon slotted over to level the score.

Lincoln continued to pile on the pressure inside Southwell’s 22 and, after a couple of phases coming around the corner, Keeton crashed over for a try.

Unfortunately, poor discipline then saw Lincoln give away a penalty, which Southwell kicked to the corner. After being sacked by Cowe at the lineout, the ball came out and the Southwell centre ran through to score under the posts.

Southwell added the conversion to take a narrow 10-8 lead into half-time.

The visitors increased their lead after a charge down on their own 10 metre line saw them run almost the full length of the pitch, before an offload put them through for a try.

A crossfield kick then set up a try under the posts as Southwell increased the gap in the score to 16 points.

Lincoln refused to give up and reduced the deficit from a free-kick after quick ball by captain Josh Pearson set up Tagg to run in for a try from just outside the 22.

Lincoln were then penalised for an alleged no arms tackle and Southwell opted for the posts and successfully slotted over a penalty.

The hosts responded by putting sustained pressure on Southwell and they were rewarded when Keeton burst through the line to score a try under the posts.

Dixon calmly slotted over the conversion to bring Lincoln to within seven points of their Nottinghamshire opponents.

Lincoln still had chance to snatch a draw, but Pete Usher dropped the ball on the line from a failed Gregan move.

POST MATCH COMMENTS

After the match Lincoln’s 1st XV Head Coach Matt Mcclurg said: “Credit to Southwell on the victory and I wish them well for the rest of the season.

“Southwell had a great kicking game plan and fed off our mistakes.

“We played in the right areas and got over the line three times yet no points due to poor execution.

“We just didn’t get out of second gear and didn’t stick to our game plan.

“With a lot of injuries our depth was tested this week and I think that showed in the second half.

“We have some big fixtures coming up and look forward to still keep improving this late in the season.

“Standout on Saturday were skipper Josh Pearson, he chased every ball and was all over the park, Jake Keeton and Archie Tagg were great, and Michael Ward made his first time debut after coming through the Colts.

“I look forward to our next game and with a semi-final on the horizon there’s still lots to play for.”

Lincoln’s 1st XV Forwards Coach Jon Webster said: “The lads worked hard, but penalties and turnover possession cost us.

“Scrums were fairly even, however, the lineouts were hit and miss. Archie Taggg was man-of-the-match closely followed by Jake Keeton.”

Captain Josh Pearson said: “It was a hard fought game that Southwell managed to play better than us.

“Southwell had a very good game plan that they executed well and we couldn’t find answers to.

“We had good periods of play that wee just couldn’t sustain.

 “We move on to next week with a clean slate ready to go again.”