Lancaster City can look forward to a mini Christmas break this weekend as they prepare for their big Boxing Day clash with Barrow.

The Dolly Blues have been left without a game this Saturday as the Unibond League decides that Christmas shopping is likely to be a bigger priority for some fans than football.

But City's visit to Holker Street on Boxing Day will launch a spell of four games in nine days, with Whitby Town visiting Giant Axe the following Saturday, then the return leg against Barrow on New Year's Day and a league trip to Altrincham on January 4.

At least City will have plenty of time to recover from a home defeat against Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.

Gainsborough's Adie Mike hit the post shortly after the break, but few chances were being created at either end.

However, on 65 minutes, the complexion of the game changed slightly when a lengthy stoppage due to an injury to referee,Mr Newell, ended with his being replaced by Mr Law.

A series of other substitutions followed - with City giving a debut to experienced winger Junior Bent who, after a year out of the game, started on the bench.

He was joined by Brian Welch, but the pair failed to re-ignite the attacking spark that gave Tony Hesketh's side 11 goals in three games.

A couple of minutes into injury time - caused by Mr Newell's injury - Gainsborough finally found a way through.

Luke Staton chased a long ball into the penalty area and, after a moment's hesitation in the back four, he was fouled, leaving Mr Law with no choice but to point to the spot.

Lee Ellington - cousin of Wigan Athletic sharpshooter Nathan 'Duke' Ellington - stepped up to convert the penalty, leaving City with little time to respond and another disappointing home defeat undoing much of the side's previous god work.