Lancaster City slip to back to back defeats in Northern Premier League

Lancaster City are still on the hunt for their first points and goals of the new season after being beaten by FC United of Manchester at the Giant Axe.

The Dolly Blues for large spells of the first half dominated possession, but quality was lacking in the final third to convert the dominance into goals.

A well worked move between Jim Craig and Lewis Mansell played the striker down the right hand side and the striker's cross was destined for Nathan Caine on the back post, but Dec Evans was on hand to intercept the ball.

It would come from the right again for the next chance on nine minutes, as Sam Bailey and Christian Sloan played a neat passing move for the midfielder to square the ball, but Charlie Bailey fired over from 25 yards out.

Lancaster City would then see the majority of the ball, just lacking that bit of quality required to turn possession into chances. FC United were looking menacing on the counter, Jay Fitzmartin giving everyone in attendance a preview of what he can do on 21 minutes, cutting inside and getting a shot off, blocked by Toby Oliver and cleared by Joe Amison.

The central defender would go up the other end for a corner and see his shot blocked for another corner, after Nathan Caine's initial header was also prevented from getting past the sturdy back line.

The visitors were ahead on 32 minutes. A quick flowing move from the back saw Fitzmartin break with pace down the left, who played a simple ball to Charlie Ennis on the edge of the box, and through a group of players his deflected shot spun past Brad Kelly in goal.

Lancaster City's best chance came on 42 minutes. A ball from Charlie Bailey found Sam Bailey on the right, his cross found Mansell who saw his first shot saved and second effort cleared off the line.

Any hope of a comeback were dashed on 46 minutes. Lewis Coulton was dispossessed by Matty Grivosti, who rolled in Charlie Ennis who returned the favour for FItzmartin who cut inside onto his left and his shot was expertly placed past Kelly as FC United doubled their advantage.

FC United's game management came into play from here on in, as opportunities for chances were few and far between, and Dan Atherton in goal for the Red Rebels wasn't really troubled.

It was a disappointing second half performance, as Lancaster City are still looking to get off the mark on goals and points. Next up for Jimmy Marshall's side is a side also still on the lookout for their first points is Hebburn Town on Saturday August 16 at the Giant Axe.