Lancaster boss Chris Willcock wary of Gainsborough side in false position

A thrilling run to the second round of the FA Cup is a reason the Lincolnshire side have fallen so far behind in the league – they have played seven fewer games than the Dolly Blues.

The Lancaster boss is more concerned about his own side's form as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Whitby Town last time out.

City have had two weeks to reflect on that display as they look to makes amends in back-to-back Saturday home games before Christmas, starting against Gainsborough.

Willcock told the club's media team: “They have had a fantastic FA Cup run and a narrow defeat (1-0 at League Two Harrogate Town). They shouldn't be where they are in the league but it's because of the games they need to catch up.

"We are playing a quality top-10 side and have to perform better or we'll have back-to-back defeats very quickly.”

The Dolly Blues boss believes his side's mentality was all wrong at Whitby and added: “If we want to turn up and apply ourselves like that, we'll struggle to win football matches. Once again I question the mindset against a team who have had a really tough start to their campaign.”

After three fixtures went ahead in the NPL Premier last weekend, Lancaster remain ninth with 28 points.

Their visit to Basford United has been pushed back two months from January 4 to Saturday, March 8.

That's because the Nottingham club will be in FA Trophy fourth-round action on the first weekend of 2025.