LINCOLN City moved to the top of the standings as Notts County’s miserable start to the season continued at Sincil Bank.

The teams were both beaten in the semi-finals of last term’s play-offs, but while Lincoln are the early pace-setters in this campaign, the Magpies have taken just one point from their first five games after the 3-1 defeat, leading to the sacking of boss Kevin Nolan on Sunday.

As early as the seventh minute, Lincoln’s Lee Frecklington volleyed home.

Lincoln were pegged back by Andy Kellett's free-kick but Bruno Andrade restored their lead just after the half-hour mark.

Andrade turned provider 10 minutes after the interval as Harry Anderson turned home to seal a fourth win in five for the Imps.

Milton Keynes Dons leapt above Exeter City and into second after a 1-0 victory over the Grecians.

Exeter were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute when Dean Moxey received a second yellow for handling in the area, although Kieran Agard saw his penalty saved by Christy Pym.

Agard made no mistake later after Jayden Stockley was ruled to have handled in the box.

Colchester United and Stevenage saw their unbeaten starts ended by Northampton Town and Yeovil Town respectively.

Second-half strikes from Matt Crooks and Billy Waters put Northampton in control, meaning Aaron Pierre’s own goal was mere consolation for Colchester in a 2-1 defeat.

Alex Fisher and Sessi D’Almeida both scored in the first half as Yeovil claimed a 2-0 win over Stevenage, whose bad day was compounded by Michael Timlin’s red card.

Ashley Nadesan’s strike earned Carlisle United a 1-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra, while Newport County overcame Grimsby Town by the same scoreline thanks to Matt Dolan’s free-kick.

Wes Thomas saw red for Grimsby for a rash challenge on Tyler Hornby-Forbes in injury time.

Goals from Chris O’Grady and Gevaro Nepomuceno helped Oldham Athletic beat Morecambe 2-0, while debutant Sam Jones’ strike proved the difference for Cheltenham Town in a 1-0 win at Cambridge United.

Malvind Benning’s header was cancelled out by Harry Smith as Macclesfield Town grabbed a 1-1 draw at home to Mansfield Town, while Tranmere Rovers edged out Port Vale 1-0 courtesy of James Norwood’s strike.

Ollie Palmer bagged the winner two minutes from time as Crawley Town hit back from 2-1 down to overcome Bury 3-2.

The Shakers fell behind to Jimmy Smith’s header but second-half strikes from Chris Dagnall and Danny Mayor appeared to put them on course for victory.

Panutche Camara levelled before Palmer struck.