Lancaster 1 Runcorn 1 A LAST gasp equaliser by City man-of-the-match Jamie Udall saved the Blues from the blues.

Playing in front of city council leader Stanley Henig and former boss Alan Tinsley the players strolled in sun without creating many chances.

But, despite Monday's defeat, the players and manager Tony Hesketh will take solace from the fact that this was a controlled and measured performance against a team offering their all as they struggle too against relegation.

Runcorn fans turned out in force and did their best to inspire more passion from their players who were already bursting every sinew.

Meanwhile Lancaster played at a more sedentary pace under the warm holiday sun while always looking the superior side until they stepped up a gear at the end - much to the relief of the crowd who sensed defeat.

Runcorn scored just before the break with a quite excellent goal that even had more than a few City fans applauding. Colin Rose ran through to lay off an excellent ball which Richard Irving volleyed with his left foot past keeper Mark Thornley.

City stayed calm in the second half but it was increasingly hard to see where the next goal was coming from. Some fans were already leaving when Udall made no mistake with an easy chance in the six yard box from a Chris Sharrott cross.

City management must be disappointed the team isn't mathematically certain of survival yet after playing two lowly teams over the bank holiday weekend. Relegation isn't, as yet, a serious possibility but Blues' fans will still be praying for a win at Guiseley on Saturday to make absolutely certain.

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