Chester City ended Scunthorpe's seven-match unbeaten run with a very determined and hard-working display.
They dominated proceedings for much of the game and even after having a man sent off in the late stages hung on to claim a well deserved victory.
This was also the visitor's second win under former Liverpool boss Ian Rush and will have done much to strengthen their resolve to get away from the foot of the table.
Ben Davies and Kevin Ellison threatened in the early stages and after 14 minutes Paul Musselwhite managed to claw away an effort from Kevin Rapley following a long throw by Cortez Belle.
However, the Chester threat became positive in the 24th minute when another long throw by Belle was collected by Ellision who calmly tucked the ball into the left-hand corner of the net.
Seven minutes later it was Belle who created the danger this time finding Phil Bolland whose header fluked into the net.
Chester continued to threaten and Belle had a good opportunity which he spurned and then on the stroke of half time Musselwhite dived at Belle's feet to rob him when he was racing through.
A half-time roasting by boss Brian Laws led to Scunthorpe making a positive start and teenagers Andy Butler and Andy Keogh went close.
There was reward for the Iron in the 76th minute. Keogh had a header blocked in a crowded goalmouth and as the ball came back to Bulter flung himself into the melee to head home.
Scunthope increased their pressure but there was no reward, although Bulter got in a header which finished up in Wayne Brown's hands.
Problems from the visitors arrived in added time when Belle, who was a candidate for the man of the match, was shown a straight red card following an incident with Scunthorpe skipper Andrew Crosby.