TONY Hesketh is back - and he's loving football management more than ever.

Hesketh returned to the dugout for Saturday's defeat at Bradford Park Avenue and enjoyed the first victory since his hip operation on Tuesday night.

"Even though we lost on Saturday, I still enjoyed it," said Hesketh, who dubbed the Bradford defeat one of the worst City performances in his time as manager: "I have been dying to get back.

It's not as if I have been on holiday, enjoying myself."

After an improved performance in Tuesday's victory against Accrington Stanley, Lancaster now face another tough local derby against relegation threatened Bamber Bridge, a club who Lancaster chiefs insist 'never give us anything.'

On Tuesday, City face the long trip to Gainsborough Trinity in a rearranged game.

Goalkeeper Andy Banks has given Hesketh a new selection problem - of the right sort.

Banks stood in for the injured Mark Thornley on Tuesday night and put in an impressive display to put pressure on City's undisputed number one.

Banks was involved in the Bamber Bridge derby earlier in the season and put in an impressive display to gain his side a point.

Unfortunately, that came during his loan spell with City's opponents.

Hesketh's priority now is to get members of his squad back to full fitness for the run in as the Dolly Blues attempt to close the gap on leaders Burton Albion.

He will be hoping to welcome back Brian Butler, who had to go off with a calf injury at half time on Tuesday.

Andy Lyons made the bench against Accrington, as did Dean Martin while Kenny Mayers is also on the road to recovery.

Andy Whittaker is still serving his suspension, but has recovered from injury.