Lincoln City 2 Bury 1: BURY have been told to toughen up after they were left bruised by Lincoln City at Sincil Bank.

The Shakers' hopes of avoiding an eighth successive defeat were dashed inside the opening half hour.

And veteran defender Colin Woodthorpe admitted: "We were bullied in the first half but we knew what to expect.

"Lincoln don't give you a minute and that's how they come out and try to start games." Caretaker manager Graham Barrow was livid at Bury's tame surrender in the opening 45 minute.

"We've got to stop being nice little Bury and start becoming more ruthless," blasted the boss. "There has got to be a dramatic change and anyone who doesn't want to play their part may as well leave the club."

It was a display to gladden the spirit of Lincoln boss Keith Alexander -- watching his first match at the ground since undergoing emergency brain surgery for a double aneurism in November.

Lincoln went ahead when Francis Green's left-wing cross looped over Woodthorpe's head and former Northwich striker Gary Fletcher drilled in his 11th goal of the season.

Then in the 27th minute, Paul Mayo's in-swinging corner travelled to the back post where Green stooped to head in.

Shakers new boy Jon Daly, signed on loan from Stockport, had a shot blocked in the 38th minute.

Bury were better in the second half, but their goal came too late to make a difference. Lee Unsworth's scuffed shot fell to Chris Porter, who tucked away his eighth goal of the season in injury time.