LANCASTER City had to settle for a point from their visit to bottom of the table Alfreton. The game was badly affected by fog, particularly in the second half when it was virtually impossible to see across the full width of the pitch and it was a credit to both sides and the officials that the game was completed. Ex-Burnley striker John Francis made his debut in attack and looked dangerous for most of the game scoring City's equaliser.

The first chance of the game went to Alfreton after eight minutes when a poor clearance fell to Aaron Brady, but his shot flew wide of the goal. City's first opportunity came after 11 minutes when Francis played a good ball to Mark Dobie but he dragged his shot wide of the goal.

Alfreton came close to opening the scoring after 15 minutes when Jay Flannery cleared the ball off the line from a shot by Chris Dolby following a goal mouth scramble.

City had two good chances before half time with Dean Martin having a shot blocked and Francis heading wide following good work by Grant Leitch.

Alfreton took the lead after 48 minutes when Darren Schofield collected the ball 25 yards from goal and fired a shot that took a deflection to leave Mark Thornley stranded.

Alfreton almost extended their lead after 55 minutes when Thornley got down well to turn a shot from Dolby round the post.

City drew level after 61 minutes when Alfreton keeper Duncan Roberts attempted to clear the ball but fired it straight at the advancing Francis, the ball rebounding off the keeper and rolling into the net.

Roberts made up for his blunder by keeping Alfreton level, making excellent saves to deny Gary Worthington and Dean Martin in the last 10 minutes.

Lancaster: Thornley, Phillips (Cheal 70 mins), Flannery, Hartley, Jones, Leitch, Boyd, Martin, Francis, Dobie, Worthington.

Sub not used: Goulding

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