Tom Lees scored the only goal of the game as Bury moved a step closer towards automatic promotion to League One with victory over relegation-threatened Lincoln.
The normally rampant Shakers attack fashioned just two clear-cut chances in a stilted first-half performance.
The first came after 10 minutes when terrific skill from Kyle Bennett put in Nicky Ajose and his shot flew inches wide.
The second, midway through the half, was a free-kick from Steven Schumacher that looked goalbound until it deflected off the Lincoln wall.
Indeed, the Imps could and should have taken the lead themselves shortly afterwards when Tom Kilbey's shot was well saved by Cameron Belford.
It was almost inevitable that the goal that gave Bury their victory - and consigned Lincoln to a sixth defeat in seven games - would come from an unusual source.
And it was central defender Lees who provided it with a firm header past Elliott Parish from a Peter Sweeney corner 10 minutes after the break.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG