Notts County finally got their first league win of the season thanks to a double strike from Tony Scully.
County, looking to bounce back after last season's relegation, were a step ahead of Lincoln throughout the 90 minutes.
And with better finishing they could have doubled their two goal tally with Lincoln looking a well beaten team long before the final whistle.
County could have gone in front in the 20th minute when striker Matthew Williams got clear but fired his shot across the face of goal.
But seven minutes later the Magpies went in front from a move started by Williams.
The striker turned two Lincoln defenders inside out before picking out Paul Bolland with his cross. Bolland blasted his effort against the post but Scully followed up to fire into the empty net.
Lincoln, who hardly created a chance in the opening 45 minutes, almost went further behind two minutes before half-time.
David Pipe forced his way down the flank before setting up Glynn Hurst but the former Stockport man stuffed his shot wide from a good position.
Lincoln came out fighting after the break with Gary Taylor-Fletcher missing two easy chances within three minutes.
Taylor-Fletcher got through again in the 55th minute but his shot was pushed out by County keeper Wayne Henderson. The ball came out to Francis Green but he shot over.
County sealed the points in the 63rd minute when Scully exchanged passes with Hurst on the edge of the box before easily beating Lincoln keeper Alan Marriott.
It could have been worse for Lincoln with Williams missing a sitter six minutes later.
The home team became increasingly desperate in the closing minutes but finally got a goal back in stoppage time.
Teenager Greg Pearson, on loan from West Ham, netted his first senior goal when his shot deflected in off County's Ian Richardson. But it was too late to make any difference.