Lancaster City 1-1 Bamber Bridge

A dramatic 92nd minute equaliser from Andy Bell forced a replay between Lancaster City and Bamber Bridge in the FA Trophy on Saturday at Giant Axe.
Sam Bailey on the ball for Lancaster City against Bamber Bridge. Picture: Tony NorthSam Bailey on the ball for Lancaster City against Bamber Bridge. Picture: Tony North
Sam Bailey on the ball for Lancaster City against Bamber Bridge. Picture: Tony North

The Dolly Blues took an early lead through Tom Kilifin but Darren Peacock’s side rode their luck at times in a scrappy, hard-fought game.

Kilifin opened the scoring on three minutes when he flicked Ryan Winder’s cross past ‘keeper Lee Dovey into the far corner of the net to get City off to a great start.

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It was a lead that the Dolly Blues were lucky to hold on to as Brig winger Chris Marlow missed two golden opportunities to level the game.

Cutting inside from the left flank on two occasions the midfield man first scuffed a shot wide of the far post before crashing a second effort off the bar minutes later.

Dovey was once again on fine form in the Brig goal and had to be sharp to push attempts from Kilifin and Aaron Taylor round the posts as City struggled to create chances.

The second half was fought tooth and nail but chances were at a premium.

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On loan Preston North End youngster Sam Livesey had the best chance for City late on.

Hunting down a loose ball the attacker was through on goal but a great reaction save from Dovey prevented Livesey from opening his account for the Dollies.

The visitors heaped pressure on the Lancaster goal in the final stages, and eventually got the equaliser they deserved.

An injury-time corner wasn’t dealt with by the City backline and a low hard cross from Greg Johnstone found Bell all alone a yard out from the goal.

With one touch and a poke over the line the replay was set for the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Tuesday night.