Gainsborough Trinity 1 Lancaster City 0

LANCASTER have another tough away match against the Unibond's in-form side Whitby Town on Saturday.

Manager Tony Hesketh said he was looking forward to the challenge even after this defeat.

He argued City were unlucky not to grab at least a point from an untidy match played in strong winds.

He added: "It will be hard on Saturday because Whitby are the in-form side at the minute. They are certainly aren't the push overs people might have thought they would be a few months ago. But we're looking forward to the tie."

City had to make do with a reshuffled side as Mark Thornley and Jimmy Graham were both out with knee injuries, Jamie Udall is still sidelined with his ankle knock, now believed to be slightly chipped, and Neil Morton looks to be out for the season. This left way for two reserves on the bench and a chance for Paul Haddow and Steve Trainor to try and make their mark on the game. And triallist Pat Johnstone - who had impressed in the reserves the previous night - made it the subs' bench.

But in the early part of the game, it was goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock who was making a name for himself with a string of fine saves that always kept Lancaster in the game.

At the other end, Dean Martin and Shane Jessop both came close, but the half ended goal-less.

Gainsborough piled on the pressure in the second half and again Sharrock was City's saviour as he continued to a string of good saves.

But a moment of brilliance in the 75th minute disappointed the ever growing legion of travelling City supporters when Gainsborough took the lead. A throw in and a flick on seemed harmless enough, even when it was deep in City's half, but a superb turn and snap-shot from Simon Drayton would have beaten any goalkeeper in any league, and the goal made sure City were beaten as well.

Lancaster's last throw of the dice was two late substitutions. New man Pat Johnstone made some useful tackles and Paul Crompton injected some pace was just what City required against Trinity's tired legs.

City nearly equalised from a free-kick in a dangerous position but Barnes' effort curled around the wall and was stopped by keeper Steve Curry.

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