Bury gained their first home win of the season in controversial fashion after player boss Andy Preece scored an injury-time penalty winner.
Both teams had settled for a draw when referee Kevin Wright awarded a handball against Ben Futcher.
Despite angry protests from the visiting players Mr Wright refused to change his decision and Preece coolly sent Alan Marriott the wrong way from the spot.
It was the veteran striker's third goal of the season and completed two wins in three days for the Shakers.
Not surprisingly Lincoln manager Keith Alexander was hopping mad after his side had a point taken away from them.
"To give a decision like that in the last minute of a game was diabolical," blasted Alexander, who confronted the Cambridgeshire official at the end of the match.
"I thought the referee was a disgrace all game. I lost count of the number of free-kicks he awarded against us.
"There is no point waiting to see him after the match because the officials have 30 minutes to get their story straight. You might as well tell him what you think straight away." Lincoln looked to be on course for their first win of the season when Gary Fletcher put them ahead after 27 minutes.
It was the Imps' first goal in 387 minutes this term and Fletcher could have added to his strike but for the heroics of Glyn Garner.
The Welshman made another vital save from Dean Cropper in the second period before Bury took charge.
Substitute Gareth Seddon and defender Greg Strong both went close with headers before right-back Lee Unsworth headed in an 81st minute corner.
Lincoln hit back and Garner came to the rescue with another save from Marcus Richardson before the late drama as Futcher's hand was caught by a cross from Harpal Singh.
"Sometimes they get given, sometimes they don't," said Preece.
"You have got to take the rough with the smooth and I felt we earned that bit of luck.
"It wasn't as though the lad was five or six yards away when the ball hit him, he was only a couple of feet away and he did stick out an arm."