Excellent win on the road for Dolly Blues on anniversary of passing of club legend

Lancaster City marked the eighth anniversary of the passing of club legend Neil Marshall with a fine victory at Morpeth.

The Dollies won at Craik Park in the league for the first time in their history, as Aaron Bennett and an own goal secured a 2-0 win.

The game started off in a complete contrast to the previous weekend’s clash with Ilkeston Town, when the scoreboard read 2-1 with six minutes gone. It was past the 10-minute mark when the first noteworthy chance came.

Jordan Hickey took a shot on for the hosts but it went wide, however his effort provided the spark that was needed for the game to come to life.

Just two minutes later, Lewis Mansell had Lancaster’s first attempt of the afternoon after some great work from Charlie Bailey but his low effort comfortably found its way to the gloves of Dan Langley.

Luke James was Morpeth’s most dangerous threat in the first half, forcing two fine stops from Andre Mendes, the first one a close-range header.

Chances were few and far between that and James’ second big effort of the game - with five minutes until the break - which, on this occasion, Mendes saved with a low dive after Hickey sent in a good ball.

It had been a well-contested and tight first half that did lack in meaningful chances but within moments of the second half beginning, it was clear that both teams had re-emerged from the tunnel wanting to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Although Morpeth had decent spells of pressure within the first 15 minutes of the second half, it was Lancaster who had the best opportunities.

Aaron Bennett fancied his chances from 30 yards once more following a spectacular showing last weekend, but his shot was well saved by Langley.

Off the back of that attempt, Bennett then turned provider for a Lewis Mansell effort that just dragged across the face of goal. It was a disappointing miss but one that gave the Dolly Blues’ contingent optimism that the game was there for the winning.

Bennett once again set up a great opportunity eight minutes into the second 45, this time threading the ball through to Charlie Bailey after some delightful work on the right, but he fired over.

Much like at a similar point in the first half, the midway mark of the second saw the game fizzle out slightly but one moment of individual brilliance on the 74th minute brought it back to life.

Aaron Bennett made it four goals in two games with a stunning strike.

Josh Abbott, who had only come on two minutes prior, found the number 10, who controlled the ball on his chest and hit it sweetly on the volley - the shot, for a good moment or two, looked like it may have been heading off target, but it looped over a helpless Dan Langley and into the net, cue wild celebrations from players, staff and fans.

Josh Abbott has been thoroughly impressive so far in a Dolly Blue shirt and he searched for City’s second late on. His close range effort after some great play from Lancaster’s forwards was saved by the outstretched Langley.

With just mere seconds left on the clock, the lead was doubled and Abbott was right at the heart of it.

Both Bailey brothers were crucial to the move, Sam sending in the free kick which the goal stemmed from, and Charlie with some great work down the flank and into the box to tee the goal up.

He played it into Abbott who was ready to tap the ball over the line, but it was in fact a Morpeth player who got the final touch.

Lancaster City’s successful outing in Northumberland lifts them up to eighth in the NPL Premier Division.

Next up for the Dolly Blues is the visit of second placed side Worksop Town, who narrowly missed out on a place in the FA Trophy Third Round to Radcliffe.

That game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, November 23 at Giant Axe.