Winsford Utd 0 Lancaster City 2 VICTORY finally came for City this season on Tuesday night when they ran out comfortable winners against Winsford.

Now manager Tony Hesketh is looking forward to the bank holiday two match programme with renewed vigour.

He said: "My team worked as a unit and if we can keep that up we have nothing to fear this weekend."

The last time that Lancaster kept two clean sheets in a row was when they played Winsford and then Worksop at home way back in December of last season.

After Saturday's hard luck, City must have had a thought in the back of their heads, 'is it gonna be one of those days again?'

But the pressure was eased early on when City scored in the 7th minute. Jimmy Graham's ever-dangerous corners proved to be of great threat again as he swung in a beauty. John Kennedy's flick to the far post was inspired and Mark Cheal rounded off the move with a good finish past the 'keeper's near post to set City on their way. The one change from Saturday saw youngster Chris Ward start instead of Graham Taylor and Ward certainly proved his worth in the 21st minute. Another good ball from John Kennedy put Ward in on goal and even though there was still much work to be done, the 18 year old marked his full- debut with a coolly placed header in the near post and into the back of the net.

The Dolly Blues were running a tight ship at the back and only allowed Winsford one shot on target in the last seconds of the half. Joe Roberts crossed the ball, Paul Higginbotham flicked it square and defender Mark Bailey put in a powerful header which needed a good reaction save from Thornley and got it.

City closed up shop in the second half, ensuring they consolidate their two goal lead. Farrell Kilbane made two important clearances from dangerous balls during the half. Generally though, it was a good defensive performance.

The one chance Winsford got was in the 84th minute when substitute Gareth Langley's shot was bobbling wide. It just required a touch to get it into the net but Higginbotham arrived too late.

If anyone looked to score, it was Lancaster to extend their lead. Graham Taylor, Paul Haddow and Chris Ward all came close again but the second half ended goalless, leaving City 2-0 winners.

Team: Thornley, Kilbane, Graham, Udall, Horner (c), Mayers, Trainor, Haddow, Cheal (Taylor 39), Ward, Kennedy.

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