Report: Wills' FA Cup Screamer Wins it

Lancaster City produced an efficient display against their former Division 1 North opponents Colne on Saturday. The visitors created a host of chances throughout the match at the Holt House ground, but a combination of great goalkeeping, some final third indecisiveness and misfired shooting kept the scoreline to a one goal margin.

The winning goal midway through the first half was worth the entrance fee alone, and a solid defensive display ensured FA Cup victory and a place in the hat for the next round.

After 23 minutes of half chances and midfield battle the goal came from nowhere from the unlikeliest of sources. As the Colne defence cleared the ball high into the air the ball looked to land about 25 yards, central from goal. On a run up Simon Wills hit a low volley that flew perfectly into the bottom right corner.

With the deadlock broken the match began to open up, but it was the visitors who ended the half creating chance after chance. Scott Harries saw a curling free kick palmed away before Craig Carney's drive from distance was deflected narrowly wide. From the resulting corner Oliver Wood's flicked header across goal missed the target as Phil Brown's side couldn't get that second goal cushion.

At the other end the best chance for the hosts fell to midfielder Alex Curran who couldn't properly connect with an in swinging corner, heading harmlessly over the bar at the back post.

The second half was a catalogue of chances for City that came and went. The most notably were one on one chances for Craig Carney and Hannu Tam. Substitute Sam Bailey on the counter attack played Carney in on goal on the right side of the box, but the resultant shot drew a good save from Colne keeper Matthew Green.

In the dying minutes Tam had a glorious chance to add the gloss City deserved to their scoreline. With the Reds' defence pushing forward Tam was played in one on one with Green but pulled a shot wide of the far post with nearly the last kick of the game.

Following Monday's draw the Dolly Blues will now face Droylsden at Giant Axe in the 2nd Qualifying Round on Saturday 16th September, kick off 3pm.