FC United of Manchester 0-1 Lancaster City

Billy Akrigg completed an excellent passing move five minutes from time, firing a left-footed shot from the edge of the area into the top corner to send City’s travelling support wild at Bower Fold.

In truth it was a goal that came against the run of play with Darren Peacock’s side on the back foot for long periods in the second half.

But when the chance to upset the Evo-Stik Premier Division side came their way, Akrigg took it in style on his weaker foot to send the Dolly Blues into the third qualifying round.

In a tight, tense first period neither City stopper Mike Hale nor his opposite number David Carnell were properly tested. 
Blues striker Tom Kilifin did see one shot saved after a fine 40-yard run in an otherwise cagey opening.

The second period was an assault on the Dolly Blues goal however as the side from the higher level tried to exert their authority.

Substitute Jerome Wright hit the post midway through the half with a stunning shot from distance but it was Hale who took the plaudits for the Dolly Blues.

Backed up by some heroic defending in front of him, the City stopper pulled off a string of fine, ultimately match-winning saves.

The pick of them came in added time, a world-class stop from Michael Norton’s close range effort ensuring Akrigg’s fine strike was enough to repeat their result against the same opposition three years ago.

FC United of Manchester: Carnell, Brownhill, Cheetham, Stott (capt), Lynch, Ashworth, Wolfeden, Byrne, Greaves (Walwyn 57), Daniels (Norton 56), Welsh (Wright 66). Subs not used: Culkin, Brown, Bower, Johnson.

Lancaster City: Hale, Bailey, Elderton, Davis, Hudson, Hunter (capt), Winder (Clark 77), Akrigg, Woods (Donnelly 48), Taylor (Birch 90), Kilifin. Subs not used: Hoyle, Sinclair, Orfally, Donlon.

Attendance: 1,033