Lancaster 'still alive' in play-off race after four-point Easter

It follows a four-point Easter for the Dolly Blues, who followed a 3-0 Good Friday win at home to Morpeth Town – on Marshall's first anniversary as manager – with Monday’s 1-1 derby draw at Bamber Bridge.

But Marshall admitted “we probably needed” six points from those games, especially as a stoppage-time winner against Guiseley left Gainsborough in the final play-off place and four points clear of Lancaster with three games to play.

It means Trinity's visit for the season's penultimate game at the Giant Axe is crucial to Lancaster's hopes and Marshall told the club’s media team: “We could have done with the extra two points on Monday ... we'll really have to get a head of steam up and hopefully get three wins.”

Lancaster took an early lead in both Easter games as Steven Yawson netted after 90 seconds against Morpeth, then Nic Evangelinos scored the fifth-minute opener at Brig.

But while Yawson quickly added his second and the Dolly Blues went on to win comfortably on Friday, their opener at Irongate was cancelled out before half-time by former EFL defender Nathaniel Knight-Percival and neither side could take their chances for a winner.

Marshall said of the point at Bamber Bridge: “Anyone who came here as a neutral will have thought it was a decent game. Both teams could have won it. They might feel aggrieved with one that was chalked off in the first half, and we had chances and might have gone 2-0 up.”

Having inherited a side whose NPL survival was far from secure 12 months ago, Marshall has presided over quite a turnaround – with a Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final against NW Counties League high-flyers Padiham to come at the County Ground in Leyland next Wednesday (7.30).

Marshall added: “We've enjoyed every minute of this season and we have something to play for.

“If we can win at the Axe on Saturday with a good crowd behind us, it puts pressure on the teams around us. Then we have the cup final, so massive games coming up.”