IT WAS MEANT to be the showpiece game of Lancaster City's season, but Tuesday night's game at Burton Albion proved to be more of a damp squib as the league leaders moved to within three points of the title.

The clash with the Brewers was being billed as a title decider as long ago as last October, but City's away from in recent weeks and the move to a Tuesday night fixture robbed it of its allure.

Lancaster realised they would be in for a tough night within the first 30 seconds, when a Paul Sparrow clearance fell to Paul Talbot who rattled the post with a 20 yard volley.

Lancaster came back into the game through hard work in midfield, and Brian Butler had a shot well saved, while Andy Whittaker fired a Lee Clitheroe strike over the bar on 25 minutes.

Mark Thornley was forced to save well from Burton's Sean Farrell, with Farrell Kilbane tidying up after the impressive Talbot tried to turn in the rebound.

That, and more impressive work from Thornley to deny the impressive Darren Stride, kept the scores level at the break and gave City a glimmer of hope for a repeat of their impressive home victory over the same side.

Five minutes into the second half, Anderson put the home side ahead, getting on the end of a Farrell cross which evaded the City defence.

Farrell, a striker who has commanded transfer fees in the tens of thousands during a long league career, scored himself moments later, picking up the rebound after his header hit the post.

Evans made it three on 73 minutes with a volley from the edge of the penalty area to kill off any lingering doubts that the three points would be heading the way of the side who are in the FA Trophy semi-finals and, almost certainly now, in the conference.

The Dolly Blues' aim for the season now is to finish as high up the table as possible, with surprise package Vauxhall Motors amongst the teams sneaking above them in recent weeks.

City face Frickley at Giant Axe on Saturday as preparations begin for next season when - thankfully - there will not be a Burton Albion in sight.