A BIZZARE night at Hyde saw Lancaster City drop two points against the bottom club in the Unibond Premier League.

The 7.45pm kick-off time came and went with no sign of any action and the pitch looking more like a bog as heavy rain bombarded the ground on the edge of the Pennines.

However, referee Mr Cook showed more faith in the elements than just about anyone else in the ground, allowing a 30-minute delay.

The rain became less torrential and, by the time the kick off came, the pitch was clear of water and a fourth and final inspection allowed the game to proceed.

Conditions were still difficult, with both sides struggling to get control of the ball in the centre of the park.

The hosts, who weren't playing like a side at the bottom of the table, created a series of half chances, mostly through long-range shots from the impressive Steve Foster.

City, meanwhile, had the mixed blessing of a swirling wind at their backs, and were struggling to feed quality balls to wingers Colin Potts and Lee Clitheroe.

However, on 26 minutes Potts got a rare chance to cross, and his effort found Michael Yates, whose header was blocked by sharp defending on the line.

Within a minute, Foster brought the best out of City's keeper Mark Thornley with an effort from the edge of the box.

The breakthrough came on 33 minutes and, again, a Colin Potts cross started it all.

Lee Clitheroe headed the ball back across goal and, as veteran keeper Dave Felgate and his defence struggled to clear their lines, Brian Butler fired home from close range.

Unfortunately, the lead only lasted until one minute after the break.

This time it was City who failed to deal with a loose ball which fell kindly for big centre-half Martin Filson, playing out of position up front, to finish.

Hyde always looked the more likely winners from then on, and twice rattled the woodwork.

However, in the dying seconds, Brian Welch played the best ball of the evening in behind the Hyde defence, but Phil Brown's shot cleared the bar.