The returning Colby Bishop fired home a vital goal as Accrington Stanley ended a run of three League One losses with an important win – and a welcome clean sheet.

Bishop was back leading the line after a three-match ban and he fired home his seventh goal of the season in the 55^th minute.

It was the first time Stanley have won at Sincil Bank since 1947 – there have been 14 visits since – and it was huge boost after a poor run from John Coleman’s men.

After a 15-minute delay due to Storm Arwen, Coleman made four changes from the 4-0 loss at Burton with Toby Savin coming in goal, Sam Sherring in defence, Liam Coyle in midfield and Bishop returning up front.

The first 45 minutes was a half of limited chances for both sides with both only having one shot on target each.

Lincoln’s came in the 30^th minute when Chris Maguire’s effort was easy for Savin while Stanley’s came at the end of the half, Ethan Hamilton’s long range strike turned around the post by goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.

Stanley started well, the Imps enjoyed a spell of pressure and then the Reds forced a succession of corners at the end of the half but goalmouth action was limited.

Lincoln started well after the break and both Lewis Fiorini and Jamie Robson played balls across the face of goal which just needed a touch.

Accrington took the lead on 55 minutes when Hamilton ran forward and his shot could only be parried out by Griffiths into the path of Bishop who was there to fire home from six yards.

Sean McConville came close to a second minutes later but his close range effort was kept out by Griffiths at the near post.

Seamus Conneely had a long range strike tipped over by the Imps keeper but Lincoln were still a threat, Freddie Draper heading inches over in the 70^th minute.

Draper skimmed the roof of the net with a header from a free kick on 81 minutes and Maguire's fierce strike was held onto by Savin in the five added minutes as the Reds held on for a win which moved them above Lincoln, up to 14th place.

Stanley: Savin, Rodgers, Sykes, Nottingham, Sherring, Hamilton, Conneely, Coyle, McConville, Pell (O’Sullivan), Bishop

Subs: Trafford, Mumbongo, Mansell, Nolan, Amankwah, Malcolm

Yellow: Rodgers, Coyle

Attendance: 8,547 (152 from Accrington)