Lancaster 3 Leek Town 2CITY came out on top against Leek Town in a five-goal thriller at The Axe on Saturday.

The Blues weren't at their best but the win extends their unbeaten run to eleven.

However, it was lowly Leek who took a surprise lead after only 2 mins. A long goal kick was flicked on by Marrow and the ball went between two City defenders. Mike Woodray raced through and gave Thornley no chance, tucking it to the keeper's right.

But City made an immediate reply to draw level.

After 3 mins, Graham played a corner to Sparrow who crossed into the box. Mayers could have converted with his first effort but made no mistake after a goal-mouth scramble.

The game began to get scrappy, largely due to the physical Leek side.Thankfully, Lee Clitheroe tried to play football and cut inside on a 40 yard run. The winger nudged the ball through to Welch who prodded the ball home to put City ahead after 19 mins. City dominated and Ward's goal on 29 mins confirmed the chasm in class. The on-form striker produced a delicious flick header over Kevin Welsby from Clitheroe's left wing cross. Paul Haddow almost sealed it with a firm drive from the edge of the box but Welsby did well to turn it round the post.

Numerous free kicks disrupted the tempo whilst Martin and Haddow were harshly cautioned. Another curious decision on the stroke of half time presented Leek with a lifeline. Thornley gathered a corner and started a City attack but the referee's assistant called play back for a push by the keeper. He kept out Doherty's tame penalty but Aiden Callan turned in the

rebound. Leek almost claimed an equaliser in the second half after a couple of openings but a draw would have been incredibly unjust after City's first half dominance.

Team: M Thornley, P Sparrow, J Graham, L Clitheroe, F Kilbane, J Mayers, D Martin, P Haddow (B Butler), C Ward, B Welch, C Potts. Unused Subs: P Brown, I Dickinson.