Lincoln snatched a late goal to beat Southend 2-1 and give manager Steve Tilson victory over his old club.

Lincoln looked lively and went close early on when Southend goalkeeper Rhys Evans fumbled a shot from Jamie Clapham but no Lincoln player was on hand to take advantage.

Evans was at fault again when Lincoln took the lead in the 38th minute. The keeper failed to hold a shot from Mustapha Carayol and Ashley Grimes pounced to score his 15th goal of the season.

Barry Corr missed a chance for Southend early in the second half and then Lee Sawyer had an effort charged down.

Lincoln almost increased their lead in the 56th minute when Ben Hutchinson's far-post header beat the keeper but Chris Barker cleared off the line.

Southend, without a win in their three previous games, drew level on the hour when Blair Sturrock fired in from six yards. But 12 minutes from time Lincoln went back in front when Grimes broke clear and smashed in a shot from inside the box.