Lincoln United put four goals past Gresley at Ashby Avenue to seal a dominant and important victory in the Evo-Stik First Division South.
A brace from Jordan Hempenstall, a Kallum Smith header and an own goal meant the Whites beat Gresley for the second time in three weeks.
The Whites controlled the majority of the game and were out of sight of their opponents before half time taking a 3-0 lead after just 34 minutes.
Gresley pulled one back before half time through Pearson Mwanyongo but Hempenstall’s second finished off the game in the 54th minute to secure the win for United.
Despite doing well in the various cup competitions so far this season, Lincoln have struggled in the league and knew that they needed points on the board quickly.
And the Whites made the perfect start when they took the lead from their first real chance of the game. Rob Norris produced a perfect cross from the right wing for Kallum Smith who headed home expertly.
Gresley’s first opportunity came two minutes later when a good turn from Courtney Meade freed up space on the edge of the box but his shot flew over the bar.
Lincoln United’s second goal came after 16 minutes when Danny Brooks’ free-kick was headed in to his own net by Gresley striker, Tendai Chitiza under pressure from a couple of Whites players.
Lincoln continued to press and could have increased their lead when the ball fell to skipper Michael Jacklin following a goal mouth scramble but the defender could not keep his shot down and fired just over the bar.
However, the Whites did find their third after 34 minutes. This time Gary King and Jordan Hempenstall combined well on the counter attack and the in-form Hempenstall curled a delightful effort past Robert Peet in the Gresley goal.
The Gresley fans were in good voice and were rewarded before half time when Pearson Mwanyongo’s shot from 20 yards out took a big deflection leaving no chance for Jake Turner to save it in the Whites goal.
The home side didn’t let that goal deter them and started the second half strongly with Hempenstall and Norris both coming close.
And Hempenstall did extend Lincoln United’s adavntage soon after, grabbing his second of the game and United’s fourth in the 54th minute. The ball fell to Hempenstall 25 yards out, he looked up to see Gresley’s keeper, Peet, off his line and produced a brilliant lob to ensure that the Whites would take all three points.
Andy Toyne almost extended Lincoln’s lead moments later but his powerful shot was denied by a good save from Peet in the Gresley goal.
With the Whites dominating it gave manager, Sam Wilkinson, the opportunity to make changes including giving a debut to winger Luke Smithson off the bench.
However, in truth, the debutant didn’t have much time to make his mark on the match as the Whites cruised through the final few minutes to complete a comfortable victory.