Lancaster City struggling for goals and out of FA Cup

This first qualifying round tie had failed to produce a goal in 200 minutes until a sharp break by the North West Counties League hosts caught out the Dolly Blues defence.

Barlick, who play two levels below Lancaster, had won through two preliminary rounds to reach this stage, both of those ties also going to replays, and their reward is a visit to National League North club Curzon Ashton a week on Saturday.

Barnoldswick had defended well to keep Lancaster at bay in Saturday's initial tie at Giant Axe – the Dolly Blues' fifth successive draw – and they were just as resilient at their own Sientnight Stadium.

Most of the chances fell Lancaster's way but they couldn't make them count – Chris Willcock's side have scored only once in their last four outings.

Harrison Beeden saw one effort cleared off the line by Ellis Wallbank and headed another wide from Aaron Fleming's free-klck.

The hosts had first-half chances too as William Proctor forced James McLenaghan into a save and Hill headed wide.

There were fewer chances after half-time, though new signings Charlie Hall and Ted Lavelle both went close for Lancaster.

Substitute Lavelle fired just over from the left edge of the box shortly before Hill consigned Lancaster to their first defeat of the season.

Midfielders Hall and Lavelle featured in both matches against Barlick, having signed one-month loan deals.

Hall, 20, has been at League Two club Accrington Stanley since 2020 and signed a professional contract this summer.

Lavelle agreed his first pro deal with FC Halifax Town of the National League 12 months ago. The versatile 18-year-old has non-league experience in loan spells with Bradford (Park Avenue) and Colne.

Lancaster look to kickstart their Northern Premier League campaign with matches at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday and at home to Stockton Town next Tuesday.

The Dolly Blues have been drawn at home to NWCFL strugglers Garstang in the first round of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy on Tuesday, September 24.

Lancaster: McLenaghan, Fleming, Coulton, Moonan, Beeden, Byrne, Hall, Ikpakwu, Lawson, Bennett, Kilifin; Subs: Levells, Allington, Rogers, C Bailey, Lucas.