The 2005-06 campaign saw The Imps, under manager Keith Alexander, secure a hard-fought 7th-place finish in League Two and a coveted play-off spot. Striker Gary Birch's 8 league goals provided vital contributions, but the season was ultimately defined by heartbreak as Lincoln City were dramatically beaten 3-1 on aggregate by fierce local rivals Grimsby Town in the play-off semi-finals, marking a painful end to their promotion hopes.