THINGS can only get better for Lancaster City, stuck firmly at the bottom of the Unibond Premier Division after a 3-0 whipping by league leaders Alfreton.

If ever there was a time when the Dolly Blues needed an easy game to help boost confidence after a dreadful start to the season this was it. But the fixture computer has not been kind to new manager Phil Wilson.

It took the hosts just a quarter of an hour to show that their place at the top of the division is no fluke by that time they were two goals to the good against a side in which the players are still struggling to get to know each other.

Town's first meaningful attack after four minutes saw Mick Goodad take advantage of some hesitant defending to steal in for the opener.

Ryan France twice went close before City registered their first effort on goal - new signing Rob Pell, brought in on loan from Worksop Town, centring the ball for Phil Clarkson to chance his arm with a shot saved by Lee Butler on 11 minutes.

Alfreton's second came on 15 minutes as Goddard outpaced the Lancaster defence before passing to France, who played the ball on for Mick Godber to shoot past exposed keeper Kevin Welsby.

City never gave up the fight, though, and in a 10-minute purple patch after the interval looked the likelier team to score.

A succession of corners and free kicks saw Pell, Gary Bauress and Steve Jones all go close, only the thickness of a post denying Jones's header, before Alfreton broke away to make it 3-0 against the run of play and effectively end the contest.

Goddard's run and cross from the left was met by Emeka Nwadike at the near post to leave City rueing their luck - and still in search of a first win of the season.

With Harrogate Town the visitors to Giant Axe this Saturday that wont be an easy task, they are also among the earl season Unibond pace-setters.

CITY: Welsby, Sparrow, Scott, Kilbane, Robertson, Bauress, Clarkson (Elderton 74), Uberschar (Sullivan 45), Pell, Jones, Yates (Hughes 59)