Lincoln City fans claim they were used as target practice during a warm-up session by Notts County footballers.

One Imps supporter was injured after she was hit in the face by a ball before the League Two game between the sides at Meadow Lane this week.

Lincoln City director David Beck said he had received several complaints from Imps supporters about the decision of County to place a set of goal posts in front of them during the pre-match warm-up.

Fans have reported up to six footballs landing in the away section of the crowd during a shooting drill involving County players.

The Echo understands the incident could be investigated further after it was witnessed by an officer from Nottinghamshire Police.

Mr Beck, from the Lincoln City Supporters' Trust, said: "It appears many 'shots' missed the goal and ended up in among our fans.

"Indeed one shot hit one of our lady fans in the face resulting in her having to have first aid and missing part of the game.

"To be fair to the stewards and police, I understand they did try to get the practice stopped. I also understand this is not the first instance, with an away fan at a different game having to have treatment for a facial injury."

As reported in the Echo, several of the 682 City supporters who travelled to Nottingham were left unhappy with the stewarding operation within the ground.

City lost 3-1 following goals from Lee Hughes, Graeme Lee and Delroy Facey.

Notts County declined to comment on the incident.