LANCASTER City bring a fine season to a conclusion on Friday night with a home game against Lancashire rivals Burscough.

The Dolly Blues look set to retain third place in the table - exactly the same as last season, after a year in which they caused non-stop problems for many richer sides.

Ironically, next season could see the roles partially reversed as City's new chairman, Mr Moore, helps the club rebuild while many, traditionally richer, rivals - including the likes of Gateshead and Altrincham - face financial restrictions due to over-spending.

Friday night's game gives Tony Hesketh's side the opportunity to claim the double over their struggling rivals.

Speaking of rivals, Lancaster will renew acquaintances with Stalybridge Celtic next season after David Miller's side were relegated from the conference.

However, derbies against Bamber Bridge are a thing of the past after the cash strapped Preston club went down.

City's final away game of the season saw them grab a useful 2-0 victory at Whitby, reflecting a return to the form, which saw them claim second place for most of this term.

The Dolly Blues left it late to snatch the victory and three points.

Centre half Farrell Kilbane showed he is equally at home in the opposing penalty area, controlling the ball before unleashing a shot into the far corner.

It was no more than City deserved after playing well on one of their longer away trips of the season.

And Whittaker capped the victory with a second goal.

Strike partner Michael Yates broke clean through before turning the ball inside for Whittaker to hip the keeper from close range.

On Saturday, Yates inspired City to a useful home victory in a low-key match with Hucknall Town.

Yates, who has mixed some impressive performances on the pitch with spells out injured since joining from Dundee, scored after 73 minutes of frustration for the Dolly Blues, who had the better of the play throughout the game.

Colin Potts had the best chance of the first half, but couldn't hit the target despite being put clean through while Kilbane had to clear a Gary Ricketts shot off the line in Hucknall's nearest effort.

City hold their annual presentation night at the Dolly Blue Tavern on Saturday night.