Lancaster City victory guarantees Northern Premier League survival

Lancaster City will be playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division next season after a 2-0 victory over Warrington Rylands.

It was the hosts who had the first chance on goal, Harrison Wood rushing his opening in the first minute and slicing his shot well wide. After that it was Lancaster City dominance

Sam Bailey hit the side netting, before Lewis Mansell then saw his header come off the post.

Just three minutes later, Sam Bailey and Bobby Bjork linked up down the right, the cross from Bjork once again found Mansell, who saw his header saved by Toby Hurst but the follow up was rifled home to give the Dollies a deserved lead.

The Dollies upper hand would continue for the remainder of the half, with Mansell being the primary tormentor. Mansell once again making Hurst work before Nic Evangelinos rose highest for a header just before half time, which went just over the bar.

Warrington Rylands Manager Neil Reynolds made four changes at half time, but initially the game was still all Lancaster. Nic Evangelinos had a shot blocked on 50 minutes, Bobby Bjork firing the rebound over the bar.

As Warrington Rylands grew into the game and searching for an equaliser, the Dolly defence stood tall. Reducing Rylands to half chances, the only chance of real note ended up as a free kick for Lancaster City, Matthew Regan fouling his defender trying to head a corner.

The hosts looked to be threatening with free kicks as the game clock ticked towards the 90, with one crashing into the wall and the other straight through to Forshaw.

The second goal came deep into injury time, as Cole Lonsdale looked to recycle the ball back to Murray Campbell. The centre back misjudged the pass and it went under his foot, where Lewis Mansell ready to pounce, cutting inside and slotting home to seal the win and the 3 points needed to secure NPL Premier Division football for the 2025/26 season.

The next game is tomorrow, Easter Monday as Bamber Bridge visit Giant Axe.