Lancaster boss buzzing with 'everything to play for'
Jimmy Marshall is “buzzing and really excited” for his Lancaster City side, who could yet seize the final play-off place.
They kept their Northern Premier League promotion dream alive as last weekend’s 3-0 home win over Gainsborough Trinity left the Dolly Blues just one point outside the top five with two to play.
And before those final Saturdays of league action, Lancaster faced a Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final against NW Counties League high-flyers Padiham at the County Ground in Leyland on Wednesday night.
Marshall’s men went into that showpiece full of confidence after second-half strikes by Sam Bailey, Joe Amison and an own goal saw off play-off rivals Trinity at the Giant Axe.
They had to withstand first-half pressure but keeper Brad Kelly was outstanding on his return after injury.
Gainsborough still occupy fifth place, with Lancaster seventh. Between them are Stockton Town – above the Dolly Blues on goal difference with a game in hand – who host Marshall's team on Teesside this Saturday.
The City boss said: “We have everything to play for. If we can take the league to the final game of the season (at home to bottom club Stocksbridge Park Steels), that would be fantastic.
“If we'd lost (to Gainsborough) it would have been a completely different outlook for the week. We now have to work out a plan for Wednesday and Saturday, and we'll try our very best to win both games.”
As for last weekend’s win, Marshall added: “The wind was blowing into the Shed End and we had to weather a storm first half.
"The biggest praise I can give my lads was getting to half-time at 0-0, and on the couple of occasions we got breached Brad stood tall. The clean sheet was really pleasing. It’s a huge three points”
“In the second half we scored some great goals and managed the game really well. We were really front-footed in the final third and the first two goals are fantastic.
"I spoke to Sam at half-time about getting shots off early. Joe is clinical in training and it's good to see him translate that to the pitch.”
Lancaster City Ladies sealed promotion in the Lancashire Women's County League with a 3-1 win at Lostock St Gerards, Kayleigh Young scoring twice.