Lincoln's eight match unbeaten league run came crashing to an end as they were beaten 1-0 by Port Vale.

Howland strike secures points for visitors

Lincoln's eight match unbeaten league run came crashing to an end as they were beaten 1-0 by Port Vale. The winner came in the 25th minute when David Howland smashed a long-range shot into the net leaving City keeper Rob Burch helpless. Lincoln, who failed to threaten at all in the opening half, stepped up their game after the break. They should have levelled in the 73rd minute when Aaron Brown put Lee Beevers clear but the defender's shot was blocked by the legs of Vale keeper Joe Anyon. Anyon did well again eight minutes from time when he threw himself to his right to push out a well-struck free-kick from Brown. Vale should have added a second goal late on after Luke Rodgers got behind the Lincoln defence. Rodgers beat the keeper with his shot but was denied by the post. The ball came back to Marc Richards but with the goal at his mercy the striker fired over.