LANCASTER'S FA Cup dream lasted only 90 minutes on Saturday - denying the club much needed exposure and financial rewards.

After making it to an unlucky first round defeat against Altrincham last time round, City certainly hoped the cup would provide much needed relief from an indifferent start to the league season.

The Dolly Blues now hope to recover with a game at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.

But it was not to be as, for the second time in as many months, Blyth Spartans completed a successful raid on the Axe.

Blyth took the lead on 19 minutes when Graham Pepper's shot took a wicked deflection, which provided a cruel start for young Dolly Blues keeper, Andy Speight.

Speight, covering for the injured Mark Thornley, had a difficult afternoon, but came out of it with more credit than some of his teammates.

However, as half-time approached, City grabbed a deserved equaliser, with a clever free kick from Graeme Atkinson which deceived keeper Phil Gilmore and sneaked into the corner of the net.

The should have been the catalyst for City to lead a second half charge, but they were hit by the sucker punch when Glen Robson's header found David McMahon who tapped home at the far post.

Lancaster were in trouble from then on and, when McMahon headed home a Gary Williams cross 10 minutes into the second half, City's prospects looked limited.

City continued to threaten and Andy Whittaker's goal on 75 minutes, crafted by Brian Welch, kept the game alive until Robson, who tormented City in the opening clash of the season, completed a comprehensive victory for the Northeast side.