Lancaster 3 Marine 1

ANOTHER win at the Giant Axe, this time 3-1 against Marine, brings Lancaster back up to seventh place in the UniBond Premier Division.

After last week's defeat of the disastrous Runcorn team, Tony Hesketh's re-invigorated side again produced a good game with a good result.

Once again, the two winger formation worked well, as Paul Crompton and Lee Clitheroe at the heart of a fine attacking display.

The first goal by Marine's Karl Robinson in the 8th minute, after a cross from Gerrard Courtney from the right, was bad news for Lancaster, but was not fatal.

For the first half hour strong wind and rain proved problematic for Lancaster. Despite this Chris Ward broke through the defence in the 10th minute, to be stopped by Chris Clarke at his feet, while Lancaster goalie Thornley executed a similar save to keep Lancaster in the running.

Finally the game turned in Lancaster's favour with a delightful header from Ward in the 33rd minute, after a neat cross from Crompton.

Then an attempt from Crompton himself went just over the bar, along with another attempt from Ward after a pass from Crompton.

Finally after half time Lancaster gained momentum, playing some excellent passing football, with Morton at the heart of things. Just a minute after the restart he took a shot which went just wide of the near post, but carried on driving towards the Marines.

In the 58th minute a near goal by David Gamble from 25 yards was tipped away by Thornley, but the 72nd minute saw Lancaster take the lead as a free kick from Crompton to Clitheroe resulted in a goal past Clarke.

The win was secured nine minutes later as Clitheroe and Welch worked together to set up Ward for a second goal, this time in at the back post.

Another goal was just missed with two minutes to go, when an attempt by Mayers bounced off the underside of the crossbar.