Defender Charlie Goode smashed home a late winner as promotion-chasing Scunthorpe edged to a 1-0 victory over bottom side Bury to make a winning start to 2018.
The goal came four minutes from time, on the back of a goalmouth scramble, which ended the Shakers' stubborn resistance.
A point would have done little to help the visitors' survival aspirations, but they were unlucky not to hold on for a morale-boosting draw having frustrated their hosts for long spells of a largely-forgettable clash.
The Shakers created arguably the best two chances of the first half, with Neil Danns bringing a smart stop out of goalkeeper Matthew Gilks before Craig Jones headed over the bar from a corner.
Duane Holmes almost provided Scunthorpe with a rare spark in the 56th minute when he was denied by Leo Fasan's diving save.
And just when it looked like Bury had battled to a rare away point, Goode hammered the ball home from inside a packed penalty area to secure the points.