Late equaliser earns Lancaster City a point in Northern Premier League

Lancaster City drew 1-1 with Hyde United in the Northern Premier League Premier Division on Tuesday night at the Giant Axe.

Jimmy Marshall’s side started the first half, and an early ball over the top of the Tiger’s defence from Sam Bailey found Bobby Bjork, his half volley was destined for the goal, but the hand of Yusuf Mersin turned it away for the corner.

As the half grew, the chances for the Dollies continued to come, pressure from Sam Bailey’s notorious long throw saw it half cleared it gave Joe Amison a chance to cross to Nic Evangelinos, his shot flashed looked destined for the bottom right hand corner, but a Hyde defender got there to clear at the last moment.

Two minutes later, the Tigers were in front. Yusuf Mersin’s kick wasn’t dealt with by Amison, giving Ben Kershaw the chance to go forward, laying it off to Edy Maieco and his curling effort evaded Brad Jelly into the top corner.

Hyde United looked for a second, with Max Harrop through on goal, but he was adjudged to be offside and Maieco tried to go from scorer to provider, his low cross just needed turning in, but the Hyde forwards just could not get a touch.

Lancaster City rallied and Evangelinos saw his header from a Sam Bailey free kick go over the bar.

The second half started with the Dollies on the front foot and on 50 minutes the pressure gave Bobby Bjork a chance from inside the box, but his shot was saved by Mersin. Antoine Makoli broke through the Dolly defence on 53 minutes, but with the goal gaping he tried to pull it back to Maieco and the chance was spurned.

Jimmy Marshall made four substitutions on the hour mark to change the fortunes but Hyde United were looking to extend their lead, Will Hall on 65 minutes trying his luck from 20 yards out, which was saved by Kelly.

Lancaster’s pressure continued and on 73 minutes a golden chance came off a corner from Joe Amison, but Mersin got down low quick to prevent an equaliser.

The equaliser came on 77 minutes, as Steven Yawson went on a trademark mazy run, his effort was saved by Mersin, but Lewis Mansell fired home the rebound for his first league goal since August.

In added on time, Yawson’s pace once again was causing Hyde United bother, but his shot flashed wide.

Next up it’s a trip to Nethermoor Park on Saturday 7th February to take on Guiseley.