Following an injury to David White, Lake was given his first-team debut by manager Jimmy Frizzell on 24 January 1987 in a 0–0 draw with Wimbledon at Plough Lane. He scored on his home debut on 21 February in a 1–1 draw with Luton Town. New manager Mel Machin gave him more of a run in the first team early in the 1987–88 season after centre-half Kenny Clements picked up an injury. On 7 November he featured in City's 10–1 victory over Huddersfield Town. He became a regular first team player, but missed the last three games of the season with a knee injury he picked up against Bradford City.