LANCASTER City are looking forward to an exciting week of friendlies as the run up to the season really heats up.

Teenage ace Chris Ward makes his return to Giant Axe with his new club, Birmingham City, this Thursday.

Next Thursday, a strong Preston North End team is being promised, with city's local rivals checking out the ground which will play host to their reserves next season.

FILLING the boots of a certain departure to the Midlands would be a tall order for any striker but, so far, Andy Whittaker is doing a good job of it.

Lancaster's new target-man has made an encouraging start to his City career and he continued on Sunday, scoring in a 2-0 friendly win over Queen's Park.

City's only major recruit this summer opened the scoring on 9 minutes before teeing up Lee Clitheroe for the second, just before half-time.

In contrast to City's incredible season, the Scottish side suffered relegation to Division 3, and the difference in confidence reflected in each team's play. The Dolly Blues were positive going forward in the first period while the Scots lacked cohesion.

The opener came when City crossed from the right and Whittaker towered above the keeper to nod in. Surely a tactic we'll see regularly at the Axe this season. City were denied two after good play between Lee Clitheroe and Bryan Welch but the striker strayed offside when Welch's shot was goalbound anyway.

The Spiders did respond but their attack lacked conviction. Marshall, Callagher and Cadbury might have made more of one break, while Willie Martin was threatening without being clinical. Thornley then made a great save from a Rae volley.

As always, Welch was superb in possession, and he turned to release Whittaker. He might have gone alone but showed the presence of mind to square for Clitheroe to hammer home. Whittaker should have claimed a brace after linking with Halliday but skied his effort.

Stewart Clitheroe played a full game in centre-midfield. He showed skill but lacked the confidence and aggression of Martin, and later Haddow. McMenemy and Kilbane were solid at the back while Halliday and Donnelly were promising on the left but clearly short of match fitness.

THREE victories in three days helped Morecambe keep up their Summer preparations in the best way possible last week.

The Shrimps had no problem overcoming a Carlisle side which contained just a couple of first team players when they came to town on Thursday night, cruising to a 5-0 victory.

Also beaten were Blackburn Rovers reserves, playing what was effectively, a home side for both games, the Premiership club's youngsters proved much tougher opposition than Carlisle.

Although Blackburn started the brighter, the Shrimps hit back to claim a 2-1 victory.

At the same time, Morecambe's own reserve and academy players were at Squires Gate, beating the Blackpool based club 2-1.