LANCASHIRE are staring down the barrel of another heavy Championship after following on against reigning champions, Sussex, at Old Trafford.

Sajid Mahmood showed his batting talent with a brutal assault on the Sussex bowlers but was unable to prevent an embarrassing Lancashire collapse.

The Red Rose were forced to follow-on for the second game in succession as they fell to 214 all out. Only a final wicket stand of 113 between Mahmood and Gary Keedy (14 not out) saved some face after they are were in disarray at 101 for nine.

Mahmood, going in at number, hit 13 fours and 3 sixes in his 66 ball innings. It was his maiden first class half-century and was in sight of the fastest ton of the season when he fell to the second ball after a rain break.

The Bolton youngster has already shown some batting pedigree this year. He was promoted to number three in the C&G clash with Staffordshire and has the potential to develop into a good all-rounder.

But his performance couldn't hide another poor Lancashire effort with the bat as Sussex's seam attack ripped through the top order and was well supported by Mushtaq Ahmed.

Mohammed Akram started the rot by claiming Mark Chilton, Alec Swann and Mal Loye to reduce Lancashire to 28 for three.

Their second attempt was only marginally better as the top four all got out after making solid starts. Mushtaq struck a huge blow towards the end of the day when he bowled Stuart Law (42) for leave Lancashire on 148 for four at the close, still 108 short of making Sussex bat again.

Chris Adams had moved onto an unbeaten 150 before the Sussex innings was ended and their 470 was soon made to look mammoth.