Lancaster City’s play-off pursuit to go down to final day

Lancaster City’s bid to secure a play-off place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division will do down to the final day of the season following a 1-1 draw with Stockton Town on Saturday.

The Dolly Blues are outside the final play off spot only on goal difference following the draw with their fellow promotion chasers.

It was a frantic start in the North East, Lewis Mansell looked to threaten on the break down the left flank. His eventual ball to the feet of Nathan Caine was pin point but the latter could only see his effort deflect into the arms of Oliver Lloyd.

The first ten minutes were electric for City as they attempted to strike against their hosts before they got going. A well worked throw in routine that involved Sam Bailey, Caine, and Steven Yawson ended with the number eleven firing just over the bar from 20 yards.

City’s best chance of the half fell the way of Mansell. A pin point cross from the right flank found the head of the big number nine; the effort only able to momentarily trouble Lloyd who had to deal with the bounce off a difficult surface.

As the hosts grew into the game, there was a short void of chances. That was until Kevin Hayes almost struck gold from distance after a good bit of interpretation from Amar Purewal. The effort from distance only a few inches off Brad Kelly’s top right corner.

Michael Sweet did open the scoring for The Anchors after 35 minutes. Hayes floated a teasing cross from the left to the back post which Kelly looked set to claim initially. City’s shot stopper was unfortunate in tipping the cross into the path of Sweet who made no mistake from close range, volleying his side in front.

A big second half was required for Lancaster City who did start promising once again. Yawson had the beating of Thomas Coulthard down the right before firing an effort towards goal. Two defections denied the goal but still forced Lloyd into a smart reflex save.

The original corner from Yawson’s defected effort was cleared before a second barrage by City gave them the crucial equaliser. From a throw in, Stockton fail to clear their lines allowing Dom Lawson to net his ninth of the season from inside the area after 52 minutes.

Sam Bailey came close to adding a crucial second as word began to spread about a play off picture shake up. Joe Amison sent a looping ball to the back post which was met by Bailey mid stride. The captain could only see his volley flash inches wide of the far post.

With a barrage of substitutions out of the way, Kevin Hayes continued to threaten for The Anchors inside the final 20 minutes. He danced down Stockton’s right flank before chopping inside and sending a fizzed effort towards goal. Kelly judged it to be not threatening as it flashed just wide of his right hand post again.

In the final ten minutes, second half sub Owen Gallagher tried his own effort after dancing close to the edge of the area. Gallagher went down under a challenge and claimed for a penalty only to be given a yellow card for simulation.

The game remained end to end with neither side able to test their opposing goal. Both sides pick up a valuable point as they head into the final week of the season.

Jimmy Marshall’s side are back in action for the final time on Saturday as they entertain relegated side Stocksbridge Park Steels at the Giant Axe.