Lincolnshire derby day rewards were harvested by promotion chasing Lincoln City at the expense of neighbours Boston United.
A solitary Paul Mayo penalty gave Lincoln victory and inflicted only a second home reverse of the season on the Pilgrims who now slip closer to the relegation zone.
The home cause was not helped by the second half dismissal of full-back Ben Chapman. And with their numerical advantage, Lincoln held firm.
City assistant Gary Simpson said: "It was a typical blood and thunder derby, but we are delighted to have got the points." Boston manager Neil Thompson said: "I don't think there was much to chose between the sides. But at the moment we are just falling on the wrong side of score lines and we have to improve." Lincoln started as the brighter of the two sides and forced a couple of early corners as well as seeing home keeper Paul Bastock dash out to bravely save at the feet of Simon Yeo.
Boston were restricted to break away raids and apart from two dangerous crosses by Peter Duffield and Neil Redfearn they failed to trouble Lincoln keeper Alan Marriott in the opening 20 minutes.
Just on the half-hour mark both sides created moments of danger. First for Lincoln. Gary Fletcher whipped in a low cross which Lee Beavers scrambled away and then at the other end a low 20-yard drive by Peter Duffield brought a sprawling save from Alan Marriott.
In the 32nd minute more Boston pressure culminated in a shooting chance from Redfearn, but his efforts flew too high.
Just before the break Lincoln stepped up the pressure and Boston somehow cleared their lines in a scramble which almost saw Yeo and Fletcher find the net. Then Ben Futcher tested Paul Bastock from a cross by Mark Bailey.
Both sides created half chances at the start of the second half with Lincoln sub Marcus Richardson firing at Paul Bastock and then, at the other end, Redfearn seeing a low shot gathered by Marriott.
Drama erupted in the 63 minute when Paul Ellender clattered into Gary Fletcher and conceded a spot kick which Mayo fired home to give Lincoln the lead.
Boston's problems increased in the 64th minute when Ben Chapman got sent off for fouling Paul Morgan, his second yellow card for the game.
Boston tried to raise their tempo and the introduction of striker Graeme Jones did much to keep the visitors rearguard occupied.
But Lincoln, with their numerical advantage, managed to resist the renewed effort of the home side, notably with Paul Morgan and Ben Futcher imposing figures in their back line.
And at the other end only wayward finishing by Marcus Richardson and Gary Fletcher prevented Lincoln from doubling their lead.