Mixed results but new players fit in well for Lancaster boss

Jimmy Marshall has been impressed by Lancaster City’s new signings and up-and-coming young players as preparations for the 2026/27 Northern Premier League campaign continue.

Cowperthwaite returns as winning start to pre-season continues for Lancaster

Marshall’s Dolly Blues are building towards the big kick-off at Ashton United on August 8.

Dom Lawson continued his freescoring pre-season with another in Lancaster's defeat at Charnock Richard Photo: MICHAEL PORTER PHOTOGRAPHY

placeholder image — Dom Lawson continued his freescoring pre-season with another in Lancaster's defeat at Charnock Richard Photo: MICHAEL PORTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Having won their first three friendlies, scoring 15 goals in the process, Lancaster experienced their first summer setback with a 4-2 loss at North West Counties League club Charnock Richard on Saturday.

They almost returned to winning ways in their first pre-season game at the Giant Axe on Tuesday, when they led Preston North End Under-21s 2-0 until the 80th minute. However, two late strikes by Michael Ayodale tied the match.

Speaking after last week’s 4-1 win at Garstang, Marshall gave a progress report to the club’s media team, saying. "We have quite a few new lads, so it's about building relationships. We've picked up a few injuries but we still have good numbers. I'm pleased with where we are.

“On the whole the new players have done really well and we've had some really intense training sessions.

"It's an easy dressing room to integrate into because we have some really good lads as well as good footballers. For me, it's about having that bit of patience as they form relationships and get to know their teammates. They all look like they will be really good assets.”

As for the younger players who have featured this summer, he added: “We have a lot of good players with the Under-23, and we want to show that if they are good enough they are old enough in my eyes and will get an opportunity.”

Dom Lawson scored in both the past week’s friendlies, including the third-minute opener against North End. Jim Craig set up Steven Yawson to double the lead early in the second half but the young Preston side hit back.

Cameron Gourlay put Garstang ahead after only two minutes against Lancaster, who equalised when Lawson converted Yawson’s cross on 40 minutes. However, Charnock were back in front by half-time courtesy of Nathan Nickeas’ deflected cross.

Simon Grand’s header across goal was turned in by James Bailey 10 minutes after the restart only for Nickeas and Shay Stansfield to complete Charnock’s victory.