Lincoln easily saw off the challenge of ten man Carlisle to get back on the winning trail. United desperate for points to lift themselves away from the bottom of the league, were always up against it after the 20th minute dismissal of Steve Livingstone.
Despite working hard and producing some spells of neat football they could only create one clear-cut chance.
The game swung on the decision of referee Carl Bowsen to red card Livingstone for a professional foul even though the veteran defender was 50 yards from goal when he took out Gary Fletcher.
The Imps almost went in front from the resulting free kick with Fletcher's powerful shot producing an excellent save from Matt Glennon.
Niall McNamara went close before Carlisle's defence finally cracked in first half stoppage time.
Paul Mayo fired over a long throw which was flicked on by Fletcher for Simon Yeo to prod home from six yards.
Glennon did well to keep out a deflected shot from Peter Gain but could do nothing to stop Lincoln's second goal in the 50th minute.
Richard Liburd set up the chance for Butcher whose header spun of a defender leaving Fletcher with the easiest of tap ins.
Butcher missed another chance for Lincoln before Carlisle spurned a simple opening to get back in the game.
New signing Paul Arnison floated over a cross from the right which found Brian Wake unmarked but from six yards the striker sent a weak header straight at Lincoln keeper Alan Marriott.
It could have been worse for Carlisle with both Liburd and Lincoln's substitute Matthew Bloomer hitting the woodwork in the final ten minutes.
Lincoln manager Keith Alexander said: "I thought it was a comfortable win I don't think Carlisle would have caused us too many problems even with eleven men.
"I was delighted with some of our play although at time we were too elaborate." Carlisle boss Paul Simpson said: "I thought the referee made a decision which changed the game. It was harsh. Our strikers worked hard but it didn't really come off for us."