Norris double gives Lancaster City third home win in a row

David Norris scored twice as Lancaster City recorded their third consecutive victory at home versus Whitby Town.

It was a dominant display from the Dollies on home turf on Saturday afternoon. The result moves Lancaster up to 14th in the NPL Premier Division.

Jamie Mellen made a return from the bench after a month out of action.

City had an effort ruled out early on in a first half they controlled. Charlie Bailey found the back of the net inside ten minutes but he was adjudged to have fouled Harrison Beeden in the build up.

David Norris turned 42 this week but proved in Saturday’s game that age is just a number. His close range effort opened the scoring and he and Lancaster didn’t slow down afterwards, continuing to push in search of a second throughout the half.

A Sam Bailey free kick found Rudy Misambo in the box but his header went wide of the post. A couple of minutes later, Nic Evangelinos had the ball in the net but the offside flag denied the Dollies their second goal for the time being.

Harry Green forced Sam Walker into his first noteworthy save of the game towards half time, the ball bounced awkwardly then was cleared by Nathan Woodthorpe.

Lancaster never really let Whitby have a look-in in the second half either, with their defence putting in a brilliant shift.

Nic Evangelinos could have got Lancaster’s second but his effort was cleared off the line.

When the Dollies did double their lead, Evangelinos had a big role in it. His shot was kept out by Shane Bland but Norris was quick to follow up on the rebound and bag his brace.

Rudy Misambo was EPIC Risk Management’s choice for player of the match, he was one third of a formidable back line who put in a strong and near perfect display from start to finish.

Dollies manager Mark Fell was delighted with the result.

“We controlled the game from start to finish. In the second half, they had a spell of territory and we were a little bit deep but in the first half it only looked like us.

“All in all, we probably hit every objective that we could’ve done today. It’s a good, strong start to a really important period of games for us.”

Fell was disappointed that his side weren’t 3-0 up at the break and questioned whether the reasons for Bailey and Evangelinos’ efforts being disallowed were valid.

“The one that Charlie scores, if that’s anywhere else on the pitch it’s not a foul. We know that [Nic Evangelinos] is not offside because there’s a man on the back post.”

Fell was full of praise for David Norris.

“The reason he played today is because he makes runs in behind, and once you have two lively forwards up there which we had with Charlie and Nic, and if they can secure it or run alone the line, Nozza undoubtedly makes those third man runs.

“We thought that might hurt them and it proved to do so.”

David Norris said afterwards: “That’s why I’m still playing to be honest – getting goals like that and winning goals like that, being part of a team like that in the changing room, walking round at the end with everyone buzzing - that’s why I’m still doing it.

Lancaster’s next game is once again at home against Marske United on Tuesday.