Lancaster City are right where they want to be as new season approaches

Lancaster City defeated Chorley 1-0 in a pre-season friendly

The Dolly Blues – bolstered by their new signings which have complemented the existing squad – have enjoyed a fine pre-season so far.

A 2-0 victory over Colne last Saturday week was followed by a terrific 1-0 win over National League North outfit Chorley at Victory Park on Tuesday.

The City squad looks fit and sharp, the only concern for Fell, which was pointed out lightheartedly by his chairman, is maybe they are peaking too early ahead of their first league game away to Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, September 19.

“Chorley beat Bamber Bridge 6-1 at the weekend with the same team that played against us on Tuesday,” said Fell.

“I am absolutely delighted with how pre-season has gone so far.

“I was worried that we would not get them up to speed quick enough.

“The chairman, tongue-in-cheek, said to me, ‘You’re peaking too early, Mark’.

“What I will say is we are right on track. We are exactly where we want to be. If I could have a blueprint for coming through the chaos and nightmare of this pre-season and Covid-19 then this is it.

“But the proof will be in the pudding and all this will be pointless if we don’t go and beat Stalybridge on the first game of the season.”

The fixture list for the forthcoming season was released last Friday and Fell was pleased that they can start planning for the challenges they will face.

Following the trip to Celtic, City face Basford United followed by Morpeth Town at Giant Axe.

“I think I probably would have preferred a home game for the first game of the season,” said Fell.

“But I am in the camp that you have to play everybody so it doesn’t really matter when you play them.

“Sometimes you can get lucky with how the fixtures run, for example if a manager has just left a club.

“I would not have minded playing South Shields or Scarborough or Matlock Town – one of the clubs who are expected to do well – first up.

“But we are happy with Stalybridge. We have already started our work on them, Basford and Morpeth because they all come in at the first week or so.

“We are looking forward to it – I am just pleased we have something to work towards and plan for.”

City travel to Workington this weekend for another pre-season workout.