Lancaster 0 Runcorn 2

WITH nothing left to play for this season, City manager Gordon Raynor had set his sights on a run of victories to achieve a creditable midtable place.

Following last week's impressive win against Bishop Auckland, Raynor felt his team were finally showing the steel and commitment needed to compete in the premier league but their stop-start season continued with yet another disappointing performance. For much of the first half City held their own but their passing in the final third of the field lacked penetration. Paul Lodge marshalled the team from midfield giving the Blues greater possession but their gaol attempts were largely uninspired. In the 22nd minute Peter Borrowdale ran on goal but Runcorn's keeper, Mark Morris, smothered the ball at his feet. Jimmy Graham tried another spectacular scissor kick but, unlike last week, his effort went high and wide and Peter Craven had the best of the chances, his free kick swerving just over the upright. The second half saw Runcorn grow in confidence as they sensed their opponent's frustration at failing to take advantage of their greater possession. City's keeper Paul Booth was caught woefully out of place as a cross came in for former Chorley man Chris Lee to head home in the 53rd minute.

The goal spurred Chorley on and Lee scored his second in the 73rd minute when a long, looping cross dipped over the head of an open-mouthed Booth, who could only stand and watch the ball fly into the corner of the net. Things got worse for the hapless Booth minutes later when he clashed with the defender Key leaving Lee with the ball and an open goal. Luckily for Lancaster the acute angle saw Lee's shot crash into the side netting. City face Knowsley on Saturday and Raynor may well look to bring back regular keeper Mark Thornley who is now recovered from his recent injury.

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