Bury 2 Lincoln C 1 by Chris Hall: ON such moments, seasons can turn.

When Bury's brave player-boss Andy Preece stepped up to slot home a stoppage time winner from the penalty spot, there could have been far more at stake than a simple three points.

After struggling through their opening fixtures, Shakers were in desperate need of a major result to kick-start their season and halt their slide towards the lower reaches of the Division Three table.

And for over an hour of the game, they looked bound for more Gigg Lane misery after gifting last year's beaten play-off finalists their first goal of the new season.

But a late throw of the dice by full back Lee Unsworth opened the door and, once Ben Futcher handled in the box, Preece coolly despatched the ball into the bottom corner to spark frenzied celebrations at Gigg Lane and finally signal his side,s re-emergence as serious promotion contenders.

The penalty decision was hotly disputed by furious Lincoln boss Keith Alexander, who could face disciplinary action for angrily confronting the referee at the final whistle before gesticulating at the jeering home fans.

But Preece said it was no more than his charges deserved after bouncing back from a poor first half display.

"It was one of those decisions that can go either way. You see plenty given but if it goes against you, you are disappointed," he said.

"I feel you make your own luck and we certainly earned ours with that second half performance.

"It shows what tremendous desire the players have to come off to boos at half-time and then go out there and earn a standing ovation at the finish."

The boos were richly deserved after a first half display bereft of organisation and midfield control.

With skipper Lee Duxbury sat far too deep to stamp his authority on the game, Shakers were in no position to respond after Gary Fletcher sprung the offside trap on 27 minutes to round Glyn Garner and slot the ball home.

But all that changed after an inspirational interval talking to from Preece, with Bury attacking in waves rather than individual long balls and flick-ons to keep the Red Imps camped in their own half.

Their pressure finally told after 81 minutes when David Nugent's corner - a move straight from the training ground, according to Preece - was flicked on by Swailes and Unsworth arrived at the far post to force his header over the line.

Garner made a strong case for the man of the match accolades, with a string of spectacular diving saves keeping the game alive.

FORM GUIDE: Garner 9, Unsworth 8, Swailes 7, Strong 7, Woodthorpe 8, O'Shaughnessy 7, Duxbury 7, Charnock 7, Singh 7, Nugent 8, Preece 9. Subs: Seddon (Chranock 57) 8. Not used: Kennedy, Barrass, Gunby, O'Neil.

Referee: Mr Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire)

Attendance: 2,576