LANCASTER City were due to travel to Harrogate Town on Saturday as they bid to spark their season into life.

Mid-table City slumped to a disappointing defeat against Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, paying a heavy penalty for an unfortunate first half incident.

Many referees would have given City midfielder Steven Miller the benefit of the doubt when the ball hit his hand in the penalty area after a quarter of an hour.

However, the referee penalised Miller and pointed to the spot and experienced striker Phil Eastwood, no stranger to North Lancashire football fans after a spell at Morecambe, stepped up to convert the spot kick.

Even after that early boost, Celtic failed to show the boost which made them pre-season title favourites.

City could feel even more aggrieved shortly before the break when what appeared to be a clear push on the Dolly Blues' leading scorer, Andy Whittaker, was deemed to be perfectly fair by the referee.

Stalybridge again enjoyed chances in the second half, with former skipper, Kenny Mayers, having a shot well saved by young keeper, Andrew Speight, who gave another sound performance in place of Mark Thornley.

He could do nothing about an effort by another former City favourite, Colin Potts, who missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the closing minutes when he placed his shot wide of the post.

Lancaster's best opportunity to grab an equaliser came from free kick specialist, Graeme Atkinson, who forced a good save from keeper, Craig Dootson.

However, City left Bower Fold pointless and now lie 13th in the Unibond league table.

Accrington Stanley remain top, ahead of Worksop and surprise package, Whitby, who hit seven against Frickley on Saturday.