NICK Rogan and Alex Taylor bagged debut goals in style - but Lancaster City were made to pay for a last second defensive dozing session as they drew 3-3 at Hinckley
The strike partners impressed as City appeared to be on course for a shock win until Hinckley levelled the game right at the death.
That was harsh on City and their young guns after a display big on heart, passion, guts and style.
They took the game to Hinckley from the first whistle in monsoon conditions and more than deserved their opener on 25 minutes.
Ryan-Zico Black did marvellously well on the left hand side before crossing to Rogan whose stunning left foot finish left keeper Ryan Price grasping thin air.
Rogan (left) controlled the ball with his right foot before unleashing a vicious left foot effort from 25 yards - and the bulging net said it all.
But the celebrations were put on ice when Nat Winder headed home a corner on 32 minutes before Sam Shilton stayed on his feet when City's defence couldn't four minutes later to make it 2-1.
It was still 2-1 at the break even though Taylor, on a substitute for Black, was denied a goal on the stroke of half-time by Ryan Price's smart save.
But the former Burnley reserve wasn't to be denied nine minutes after the re-start as the outstanding Rogan slipped the ball through and Taylor's pace made the experienced Stuart Storer appear stationary.
The excellent Taylor pulled the ball onto his left foot before steering a delicious shot into the far corner in style and City were level.
Five minutes later they were back in front when Ian Dawes slammed home a penalty after Taylor (above) had been hacked to the ground by the harassed Storer.
Tony McMillan made an excellent save at the feet of Marc McGregor as Hinckley frantically searched a leveller but it seemed as though City would hold on for a memorable opening day win until that fateful fourth minute of stoppage time.
Andy Scott made his only mistake of the game in slicing a clearance but got back to keep McGregor out and concede a corner.
It was always going to be the last play of the game and Lancaster were rocked when Leon Jackson managed to squeeze a header home to level the match.
CITY: McMillan 7, Uberschar 7, McMahon 6, Swan 6, Scott 7, Elderton 8, Eckersley 8, Jones 7, Dawes 7, Rogan 9, Black 7 (Taylor (44, 9). Subs (not used): Sullivan, Mahoney, Bauress, Yeomans.
Referee: MA Sutton (Belper)
Attendance: 559
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