Jim Gannon made one change from the side that beat Rochdale on Tuesday night with James Smith returning at right-back to replace the injured Shaleum Logan.

Liam Dickinson had a great chance to give County an early lead when he latched onto Smith's pass, turned past Lee Beevers and hit a shot across Alan Marriott who did well to save with his legs.

County had the ball in the back of the net on nine minutes through Antony Pilkington who was ruled off side.

Michael Rose then saw a 25-yard free kick saved as County, roared on by another massive following, kept up the pressure.

Midway through the half the Hatters should have taken the lead. Dickinson, looking a yard offside, was allowed to run in on goal. His final shot lacked power, though, and Marriott saved.

Lincoln threatened for the first time on 24 minutes when Dany N'Guessan saw a shot deflect off Smith for a corer,

Five minutes later Smith bravely blocked a powerful shot from Louis Dodds. Mark Stallard was off target from the rebound.

The Imps had another chance on 36 minutes when a corner was half cleared to Shane Clarke who couldn't hit the target from the edge of the box.

Just before the break County had a penalty appeal turned down after Beevers appeared to push Dickinson in the box.

Half-time: Lincoln 0 County 0

The Imps should have taken the lead four minutes after the break when Daniel Hone was given a free header at the far post but he missed the target.

Williams then came to his side's rescue with a timely tackle to deny Clarke. The ball broke to Dodds who shot wide.

County responded when Row flicked Taylor's throw to Dickinson who hit the side net with a powerful volley.

The referee got it all wrong when he pulled up Adam Proudlock for being in an offside position when he wasn't interfering with play. It denied David Poole a goalscoring opportunity.

The Imps nearly made the most of their reprieve from the next attack with an overhead kick from Jamie Forrester that just cleared the bar.

On 68 minutes justice was done when Proudlock's corner was cleared to Poole who beat Marriott from the edge of the box.

The game had opened up now and Williams made another important block from N'Guessan's cross.

County were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter, though and Rowe was inches away from converting Dickinson's cross at the near post.

Proudlock then forced a fine diving save from Imps man-of-the-match Marriott.

With County victory anthems ringing around Sincil Bank Forrester thought he'd beaten Ruddy in stoppage time with the aid of a wicked deflection. The keeper somehow changed his direction to dive the other way and make a quite brilliant save.

Eight consecutive away wins for County, another Football League record.