Lancaster City draw final pre-season encounter

Lancaster City drew their final summer pre-season friendly, with nothing to separate the Dolly Blues and Heaton Stannington at the Giant Axe.

An early opener from the North East side was cancelled out by a late Nic Evangelinos goal.

The game was a great physical battle that mirrors everything that will come in the Northern Premier Division this season.

The game started off with Heaton enjoying more of the ball.

Sado Djalo dragged the ball wide after going one-on-one with Brad Kelly as an early opportunity went begging.

They got their early reward though via Adam Pearson, as a Connor Walker effort deflected off the striker's head and into the top corner.

Lancaster looked to respond with Callum Leigh delivering a dangerous free kick into the area, but Trialist's header rose over the bar.

There was an unusual turn of events for a friendly on the half hour mark, with Sekouba Sanogo and Pearson both being booked after the two were involved in an altercation.

Toby Oliver looked set to level early in the second half, but a fantastic headed block from Stannington skipper Dan Capewell saw his side escape.

There was then some action up the other end, with Jim Craig clearing off the line for Lancaster.

However, an incredible save from Kelly saw the Dollies somehow come out unscathed after a close range header from Djalo.

Sanogo's glancing header dropped just wide after the defender reacted fastest to a Joe Amison cross as the Dollies began to turn the tide

Nic Evangelinos would find the leveller for Lancaster with the clock ticking away. After seeing his initial effort saved, he reacted quickly to mop up the rebound and equalise for Jimmy Marshall's side.

Youngster Aaron Bailey almost turned the game on its head late on after fellow academy attacker Sam Kelly had won the ball back, but the Heaton goalkeeper reacted well to save his close range effort.

Jimmy Marshall's men now start their season on Saturday, August 8, when they travel to Ashton United in the Northern Premier Division's opening clash.