Defeat on the road sees Lancaster City's unbeaten run come to a halt

Lancaster City's run of four games unbeaten in all competitions came to a halt as Whitby Town ran out comprehensive winners at the Towbar Express Stadium.

The game started competitive with both sides having fair share of the ball but it was the Dollies with the first chance, a Sam Bailey throw in on 13 minutes ended at the feet of Nic Evangelinos after a poor clearance, his effort was deflected just over.

The game’s opening goal came on 24 minutes and it came from Nathan Thomas.

He drove down the left and his shot was deflected away for a corner, and the resulting corner he was adjudged to be fouled in the box by Jamie Mellen, who dusted himself off to power the penalty down the middle to give the hosts the lead.

He almost followed his penalty up a few minutes later, spotting Andre Mendes off his line, he let fly from his own half and it went just wide, sparing Lancaster City blushes.

Aaron Bennett and Lewis Mansell looked the livelier of Lancaster's attacking threat, both working Whitby Shane Bland with chances, but that was it for the Dollies in the first half as Whitby extended their lead.

Former Lancaster City player Connor Simpson, back at the club whilst Australian Soccer is in the close season, scored a header from a corner.

City started the second half looking to start a comeback. Charlie Bailey shooting just wide on 47 minutes, the best chance of the game came on 50 minutes, Sam Bailey delivering a trademark ball and Nic Evangelinos glanced a header which was well saved by Shane Bland.

Substitute Josh Abbott almost made an instant impact getting on the end of a Dylan Thompson cross but Shane Bland made himself big at the near post and smothered the ball.

Brayden Shaw then made Bland work as he let fly from 25 yards out, but the keeper was more than a match for the shot.

He cleared the ball forward to Lyaton Watts who carried the ball past Ed Ikpakwu and an onrushing Andre Mendes, and from a cute angle made it 3-0 and effectively game over with 29 minutes left.

Chances came at the end of the game for a Dollies consolation, free kicks from Marcus Cusani and Aaron Bennett and in injury time Bennett tried his luck to no avail and just before full time Cusani and Dom Lawson could not get past a resolute Whitby backline.

A 14-day break is on the cards now for the Dollies due to Stockton Town's FA Trophy commitments, so their next game will be on Saturday 14th December at home to Gainsborough Trinity.