Lincoln City 1 Bury 1 - A SECOND half fight back earned Bury a share of the spoils at Sincil Bank last night as Andy Preece's side proved they can battle with the best.

They faced a cash-strapped Lincoln outfit that have a number of former Nationwide Conference stars in their side and, predictably the Imps played their soccer route one, tough and direct.

It looked to be a game plan that would pay dividends in the opening minutes as their no-nonsense approach put the Shakers on the back foot.

Always looking to get the ball up front early and utilising Ben Futcher, the beanpole son of former Manchester City star Paul at every opportunity, the home side were an awkward proposition as predicted by the Bury manager.

They took the lead in controversial circumstances when a ball launched into the box cleared both Michael Nelson and former Hyde United striker Simon Yeo.

As both players went for the ball in the six yard box, Yeo went to ground and referee Peter Walton pointed to the spot.

Yeo admitted later that he had no idea what the penalty was awarded for but that was no consolation for Bury who watched Ben Sedgemore step up to plant the ball past Glyn Garner.

Whatever the Bury coaching staff said to the players at the interval certainly had the desired effect as they came out for the second period in far better shape.

Refusing to be bullied and relishing the physical contest they poured forward in search of a leveller.

The Shakers reaped their reward 15 minutes from time when dogged persistence earned a penalty.

It should have been routine defending when Preece challenged Marriott to Jamie Stuart's cross into the box but the goalkeeper spilled the ball and in a vain attempt to smother it he connected with the manager's leg and a second penalty was awarded.

Preece made it two goals in four days by calmly converting the spot kick.

"I told the lads we'd have to stand up and be counted," said Preece. "But we started badly and that's why we ended up going behind. We had to compete, work hard and be strong and earn the right to play your football.

"But in the second half it was all one way traffic and we did really well. Really we should have won the game on the possession and chances we had."

FORMGUIDE

Garner 7, Barrass 7 (Nugent 71), Swailes 8, Nelson 8, Stuart 7, Billy 8, Dunfield 8, Unsworth 7, Woodthorpe 7, Preece 8 (Redmond 82), Newby 7. Subs not used: George, Forrest and Whaley. Referee: Mr P. Walton (Northants). Attendance: 2,810.