Lancaster City get back to winning ways in rain at Belper Town

Lancaster City took all three points at NPL Premier Division bottom side Belper Town on a rainy afternoon.

A 2-1 victory in the rain at Raygar Stadium moves Mark Fell’s men up to 11th in the league, level on points with 10th placed FC United of Manchester.

The hosts took the lead but Sunderland loanee Owen Robinson’s first goal for the Dollies and David Norris’ curled effort inside the box turned the game on its head.

Lancaster tested Tom Jackson in the Belper goal early on, with efforts from distance by Owen Robinson and Brad Carroll safely ending up in the ‘keeper’s hands.

Jake Connelly, making his first start for Lancaster since August in a season plagued by injuries, fired just over from a Matty Tweedley pass.

Despite City’s early chances, James Tague put the home side in front, slotting the ball past Sam Waller after he was played in by Brodie Litchfield.

Belper’s lead lasted little more than ten minutes though. Lancaster defender Nathan Woodthorpe was fouled in a crowded Belper Town box as a free kick was swung in, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Owen Robinson tucked the penalty just under Tom Jackson to level the scoring.

Into the second half, Robinson was replaced by David Norris with around half an hour to go, and it was a substitution that proved to be crucial.

Curtis Burrows could’ve restored the Nailers’ lead 20y minutes into the second half but his effort flashed wide of the post.

After a cagey start to the second period, the game became more open. Nic Evangelinos, another substitute for Lancaster, tried his luck direct from a free kick but Jackson saved it with ease.

David Norris won a free kick for Lancaster and, from it, the winning goal was scored. Charlie Bailey set Norris up and the super sub took a couple of touches past the defenders before curling the ball into the top corner and securing the three points.

Belper did try to level the scores once again but Waller was not challenged.

Mark Fell was pleased with the players’ performance levels and reaction after the team’s defeat last time out versus Nantwich Town. “We just needed to dig in today, after last week, we needed to give a workmen-like performance and find a way to win, which is what we did.”

Fell was “really pleased” to see “sharp” Owen Robinson get his first goal for the club, and praised the impact of match-winner David Norris.

“He was excellent when he came on, he’s so clever.

“He occupies great positions and, when the ball goes up in the air – considering Nozza isn’t a six foot two target man and by trade a midfield player – he does enough to put centre halves off, nobody gets anything clean when he’s around, that’s why he’s had such a great career, because he knows what you need to do in a game to make sure you have a better change in certain situations.”

Next up, Lancaster City return to Giant Axe on Saturday (March 25), which is Non League Day, to face Hyde United.

Before the game, Cat Smith MP will unveil a plaque, on behalf of Lancaster Civic Society, to honour former Lancaster City Ladies player and Dick, Kerr Ladies legend Jennie Harris.

The club want to get as many fans through the turnstiles as possible and are reducing ticket prices for this game. Ticket prices are reduced to £5 for adults, with concessions, students and young adult prices at £3 and under 14s going free with a paying adult.