Lincoln extended their impressive run to just one defeat in their last 11 games, despite playing below their best at home to Darlington.

The visitors looked the more lively team early on and it was no surprise when they went in front with a goal from leading scorer Barry Conlon after 22 minutes.

The Irishman received the ball from strike-partner Ian Clark and drove a low shot from the edge of the box past goalkeeper Alan Marriott.

Lincoln levelled nine minutes later, Chris Ward scoring his second goal for the club since his move from Leigh RMI.

Darlington goalkeeper Andy Collett failed to hold Stuart Bimson's cross and the former Birmingham man was on hand to pounce on the loose ball.

The Red Imps finished the game on top and Collett made up for his earlier mistake by producing some excellent saves to deny Simon Weaver and Peter Gain.

The highly-rated stopper also did well to keep out a powerful header from defender Ben Futcher and then had to be alert to palm away another goalbound effort from Gain.

Lincoln City: Marriott, Morgan, Futcher, Weaver, Bailey, Bimson, Butcher, Gain, Willis, Smith, Ward.
Subs: Sedgemore, Yeo, Bloomer, Cornelly, Cornwall.

Darlington: Collett, Valentine, Liddle, Whitehead, Betts, Maddison, Nicholls, Keltie, Pearson, Clark, Conlon.
Subs: Porter, Mellanby, Campbell, Hodgson, Sheeran.

Referee: A Bates (Staffordshire)