A MAJOR week in the history of Lancaster City ended with a mixture of sadness and anticipation for the future.

A last minute own goal gave conference side Southport victory over the Dolly Blues in Tuesday night's Marsden Lancashire Cup final despite a battling performance from Tony Hesketh's side which showed they could live with higher division opposition.

Watching the game from the stand was young striker Chris Ward, who left the club the same day to join Birmingham City in a £25,000 deal. Ward has been watched by sides from home and abroad, and the 19 year old student from Preston will join the St Andrews club this summer.

Although exact details of the transfer have not been revealed, City will also benefit if Ward makes the first division club's first team, and will get a sizeable chunk of any transfer fee if he moves on.

Birmingham are also expected to visit Giant Axe for a pre-season friendly next season, as City continue to attract big name opposition.

City have another chance for cup glory on Tuesday night, when Bishop Auckland visit Giant Axe for the Unibond cup final.