Matt Burton’s reign as Market Drayton manager got off to a disappointing start with a fifth defeat of the UniBond League division one south campaign.

The Greenfields men slipped to defeat against a side who began the day with only three teams below them in the table.

It means Drayton dropped one place in the table to fourth, although victory in their game in hand could still see them move top.

“It was a disappointing result for us but I learned a lot from it,” said Burton, who was only announced as Lee Roberts’ successor 48 hours earlier.

“It’s going to be a big learning curve for everyone – for the players to learn about how I work and for me to learn about the players.

“We just have to put this one behind us and move on.”

Drayton made a slow start and found themselves a goal behind on 17 minutes when former Leeds, Hull and Scunthorpe forward Jamie Forrester broke the deadlock.

The visitors showed signs of improvement as the first half progressed, and had opportunities to draw level.

Paul Bowyer – again playing as an emergency striker – went close to an equaliser while Jason Frances was denied from a fine save following a Gary Anslow free-kick.

And the visitors’ hopes of a fightback were ended midway through the second period when Kallum Smith scored a second for Lincoln.

“We had three or four good chances at the end of the first half and half-time came at the wrong time for us,” added Burton.

“But we didn’t really get going. On the journey back, the committee were saying it was the worst we had played all season.

“I have nothing to compare it with because it was my first game, but the lads were disappointed with the way they had performed.”

Drayton, however, had little time to lick their wounds as they travel to Witton Albion tomorrow night for a UniBond League President’s Cup clash.