Lancaster look to kick on after off-day at Rylands
The big games at the top end of the Northern Premier League keep on coming for Lancaster City FC, with boss Jimmy Marshall calling on his side to bounce back in Saturday's final away game of the year at FC United of Manchester.
It follows last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Warrington Rylands, who moved two places and three points clear of the fifth-placed Dolly Blues.
Lancaster headed to Cheshire buoyed by back-to-back victories but Marshall admitted: “This was one of those days when I thought, 'Nothing's going to work today' and it's about kicking on now.”
Marshall told the club's media team: “First half we played quite well. Until they scored, we were on the front foot and controlling the game.
“But then we conceded to a free header (by Clive Smith) from a set-piece and we need to do better there. We had a lot of corners first half but didn't make anything of them, then they had one and scored from it.
"We always say football is about being better in both boxes and today was an example of that.
“Going in 1-0 down, you give them something to protect in the second half and the ball was out of play a lot. We never really got going and didn't have the quality to break them down.
“They scored their second (from Ben Hardcastle) because we've gambled trying to get an equaliser and left the back door open slightly.”
Marshall will consider team changes for Saturday’s visit to FC United, who are point better off than Lancaster in fourth.
“We'll look at the personnel, having only made one change today (recalling Charlie Bailey), and see what's the best way to line up,” he said.
“We're still in a good position but I'd prefer to be a little higher, though at the start of the season we'd have taken this at the halfway point.
“I've told the players it's a tough league and you will get knocked down, but it's about how you get up."
The home game against Rushall Athletic, abandoned before half-time earlier this month, has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 6.
Another victim of the weather was Lancaster Ladies' charity match against Chorley on Sunday.
Lancaster (v Rylands): Kelly, S Bailey (Thompson 74), C Bailey (Clarke 63), Amison, Oliver, Grand, Moonan (Bjork 67), Sloan, Evangelinos (Lawson 74), Craig (Mansell 56), Yawson.