LANCASTER City began their pre-season build-up in impressive style with a 3-1 victory over a strong Huddersfield Town side.

Huddersfield came to the Axe with a largely first-choice squad, including former £1million striker Andy Booth, but they were given a football lesson as City returned to the confident form they showed early last season.

The visitors started strongly, with powerful centre-half Eddie Youds heading home a corner within five minutes of his debut for the Yorkshire side.

Booth hit the post before City got themselves back into the game with a fine strike from Brian Welch.

Welch hit a powerful left-footed drive which easily beat on-loan Southampton keeper Scott Bevan.

Lancaster began to take control of the game after the break, and it was former Wigan Athletic youngster, Chris Bennet, who did most of the damage.

Bennet, who was playing in the West Lancashire league last season, put the Dolly Blues ahead shortly after the break.

Bennet hit a powerful shot against the post and, while the visiting defence dithered, Bennet was first to react as he scored his first goal in City's colours.

Again, on 67 minutes, Bennet was involved, being hacked down by Bevan while chasing a loose ball in the penalty area.

Former Preston midfielder Graeme Atkinson converted the spot kick to give Tony Hesketh's side the ideal start to their preparations for the big kick-off on August 17.

City play Queen's Park at home on Friday and Squires Gate away next Tuesday.