Lancaster City home for Christmas after tough trips on the road
A “terrific” second-half display couldn't prevent Lancaster City suffering back-to-back defeats before ending the year with a Boxing Day derby at home to Bamber Bridge.
Two down at half-time at FC United of Manchester on Saturday, the Dolly Blues were much-improved after the break but lost 2-1, despite a goal by substitute Dom Lawson giving Jimmy Marshall's side hope.
Lancaster remain fifth in the Northern Premier League at Christmas, now eight points behind leaders Hednesford Town, while FC United are up to third.
Marshall told the club's media team: “We gave two sloppy goals away and it took us a long time to recover from the first one.
“We switched off twice and ultimately that's cost us but I thought we were terrific second half. We penned them in and played some fantastic football. If you aren't clinical enough in both boxes you won't win but I can't fault the lads second half.”
If followed a 2-0 defeat at Warrington Rylands, who have slipped to fourth after losing 3-1 to Lancaster's next opponents Brig. Marshall added: “It's been a bitterly disappointing two weeks to pick up nothing on the road.
"Full respect to the two teams we played, who are up there, but it's a sore one to come away with nothing today after putting so much into the game and playing so well.”
Marshall's changes in Manchester included the return of Lewis Coulton after a dual-registration spell with NW Counties club Longridge Town.
“Lewis has never been out of my plans long-term but he needed some football,” said Marshall. “He came straight back in because I thought he was the best player to deal with Matthew Grivosti, the right winger who is really sharp (and scored United's first goal). Louis is really quick and a good wing-back.
“We've got a good squad, so we're mindful of not running players into the ground and that was the reason for some of the changes, while some were tactical.
“We're not a million miles away and we're playing well in most aspects. We hope everyone has a good Christmas and we'll be ready to go with the bit between our teeth for a local derby on Boxing Day.”
The Dolly Blues then kick-off 2026 with a visit to bottom club Workington on New Year's Day.