Lancaster City 0-0 Workington

Facing their first higher-league opposition in the build up the new Evo-Stik First Division North season, Mike Hale’s first-half penalty save ensured a clean sheet for the Dolly Blues.

At the other end Phil Brown’s side were also kept at bay by their Evo-Stik Premier Division opponents.

Jordan Connerton made his first appearance since re-signing for Lancaster and was involved in almost every City attack in the first half which was largely dominated by the hosts.

The former Crewe forward fizzed a shot that stung the hands of Aaron Taylor in the Reds’ net, whilst Danny Shearwood also went close on two occasions.

Workington’s defence was resolute and proved difficult to break down, but a surprising hesitation to shoot stopped a prolific City squad testing Taylor further in the game.

Hale then made a great penalty save low to his left from Scott Allison’s spot kick to ensure the half ended even.

The second half featured some great link up play between Jacob Gregory and Terry Cummings in the final third but the final shooting opportunity never came.

On two occasions a City player found himself through on goal later in the half only for Cummings and Matt Livingstone to be taken out from behind on both occasions.

At the other end Tom Kilifin on his return was guilty of missing the target from a good position as he chipped wide on a quiet afternoon for all four goalkeepers involved in another substitute-heavy pre-season fixture.

The Dolly Blues next host a Preston North End XI at Giant Axe on Tuesday night with a young Lilywhites side possibly being bolstered by the inclusion of a couple of senior players in need of time ahead of their Championship season kicking off at Reading on Saturday.

Kick-off is 7pm.