Reeco Hackett-Fairchild picked out the top corner with a fine finish in the first half and things got worse when Paudie O’Connor headed in a second just 12 minutes from time. But Northampton were excellent throughout the contest and they snatched a well-deserved point through Louis Appéré and Sam Hoskins, who struck in the eighth minute of added time. Here are our player ratings from a dramatic night at Sixfields...

. NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Sam Hoskins of Northampton Town celebrates with teammates Max Dyche and Louis Appéré after scoring his sides second goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Lincoln City at Sixfields on August 15, 2023 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Sam Hoskins celebrates with team-mates Max Dyche and Louis Appéré after Northampton's dramatic 98th-minute equaliser against Lincoln City at Sixfields. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton

. Max Thompson
Reduced to a watching brief for almost the entire game and yet conceded two goals. The opener left him motionless but maybe he could have come for the cross which O'Connor headed in, although that would be nit-picking. He's doing a good job for an inexperienced 19-year-old while Burge is out... 7 Photo: Pete Norton

. Akin Odimayo
Lincoln's brilliantly-taken opening goal did stem from his side but he was left two against one and could do little about it. Has the dynamism to be an effective attacking full-back but on this occasion he was unable make the most of the good positions he picked up... 7 Photo: Pete Norton

. Sam Sherring
The majority of Town's good play started with him at the back. He was patient and smart and didn't force the issue. Ended up making over 100 of the home side's 620 attempted passes, which is surely a record for the club. Unlucky when heading against the post... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton

. Manny Monthé
Ensured Guthrie wasn't too much of a miss with a solid night's work at the back. He too played some excellent, piercing passes from deep positions, particularly when it came to finding Brough in advanced areas down the left side... 7 Photo: Pete Norton

. Patrick Brough
Much more solid from a defensive viewpoint compared to the weekend as he dealt with the minimal threat Lincoln posed on their right. Got forward at times with one dangerous cutback narrowly beyond the reach of a team-mate... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton

. Jack Sowerby
He might not catch the eye quite as much as his midfield partner but they often work very well as a pair, as they did against Lincoln. His positioning and use of the ball as the deepest midfielder ensured Cobblers were able recycle possession and remain in control pretty much throughout... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton

1. Max Thompson
Reduced to a watching brief for almost the entire game and yet conceded two goals. The opener left him motionless but maybe he could have come for the cross which O'Connor headed in, although that would be nit-picking. He's doing a good job for an inexperienced 19-year-old while Burge is out... 7 Photo: Pete Norton

2. Akin Odimayo
Lincoln's brilliantly-taken opening goal did stem from his side but he was left two against one and could do little about it. Has the dynamism to be an effective attacking full-back but on this occasion he was unable make the most of the good positions he picked up... 7 Photo: Pete Norton

3. Sam Sherring
The majority of Town's good play started with him at the back. He was patient and smart and didn't force the issue. Ended up making over 100 of the home side's 620 attempted passes, which is surely a record for the club. Unlucky when heading against the post... 7.5 Photo: Pete Norton

4. Manny Monthé
Ensured Guthrie wasn't too much of a miss with a solid night's work at the back. He too played some excellent, piercing passes from deep positions, particularly when it came to finding Brough in advanced areas down the left side... 7 Photo: Pete Norton