Lincoln City turned the form-book upside down as they beat shock promotion contenders Bury 1-0 at Gigg Lane.
Keith Alexander's side had made a dismal start to the season for a second successive term but battled to a hard-earned win against Graham Barrow's in-form side.
The Shakers were without Dave Flitcroft who was suspended after being dismissed against Kidderminster Harriers, and he was replaced by Terry Dunfield.
Bury created the first opening inside the first minute but Alan Marriott was able to keep out David Nugent's fierce shot.
In a lively opening Marriott then had to be alert to save Brian Barry-Murphy's curling free-kick while at the other end Glyn Garner saved Simon Yeo's shot with his legs.
Marriott was called into action again in the 25th minute when he saved Lee Unsworth's spectacular overhead kick but it was the Red Imps that eventually took the lead on the stroke of half time.
A long ball into the Bury penalty area found Matthew Bloomer unmarked and he looped his header over the stranded Garner and into the back of the net.
Bury pressed hard for an equaliser after the interval but Lincoln hung on to secure a priceless away win.
Barry-Murphy saw a goalbound shot blocked while Simon Whaley fired a shot high and wide.
Nugent also fired wastefully over the bar and Dwayne Mattis had a late blockbuster turned away for a corner.