Lancaster City 1 Barrow 0

IT'S been a while coming but Lancaster finally celebrated their first victory of 1997 on Tuesday night - happy new year lads! And they chose a tough derby match against high flyers Barrow to end their recent run of defeats. It was a sterling performance all round with City keeper Mark Thornley showing excellent form to deny a Barrow side looking to boost their title challenge.

It was that man Stuart Diggle who scored the goal which proved to be the winner. It came after 15 minutes when he picked up a long ball into the Barrow area and casually slotted a shot past the advancing keeper.

The Giant Axe fans delighted in the lead over their arch rivals but few expected the score to remain the same. City's recent defensive frailties were put right on the night and they defended strongly especially in the second half when the Cumbrians pushed forward determined to draw level.

Barrow were knocked back in the first half when a horrific looking collision with a fellow Barrow player saw Carl Marginson stretchered off after lengthy treatment on the pitch.

The visitors were also knocked off course set by the dismissal of Jimmy Brown following a ruck with Paul Lodge but despite being reduced to ten men they made great efforts to get back into the match.

It was a nerve testing end to the game, especially as the referee added four minutes for stoppages but the Blues held firm for three vital points and a much needed boost in confidence.

Team: Thornley, Flanagan, Stimpson, McNeilis, Key, Armstrong (Hartley) Trainer, Lodge, Diggle, Borrowdale, Graham. Subs: Gelling, Flannery.

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