City looked to have had the tie sealed when Neil Marshall scored to make it 3-2 with only a few minutes to go.

But Rugby Town substitute Jason Taylor scored with his first and only kick of the game to earn his side a replay and deny City a thrilling win.

After a close first half, both sides opened up in the second 45 to play some exciting attacking football.

Mark Jackson put City ahead on 53 minutes after some great wing play from Lenny Reid and man of the match Lee Dodgson. Reid hit a raking cross-field ball to Dodgson who whipped in a cross to leave Jackson with a tap-in.

But eight minutes of madness saw the tie open up and City lose control. First substitute David Kolodynski was put through on goal and City keeper Mark Thornley brought him down.

Kolodynski dusted himself down and took the spot kick himself, finishing with aplomb.
Four minutes later and Rugby through forward David Stone who had an easy finish after his first effort had been superbly saved by Thornley.
However their lead was short-lived, Dave Foster levelled for City after more good work from Dodgson and Reid and when Dodgson crossed for Marshall to head home, the tie looked over.

However it was just not to be. On came Taylor and he broke City hearts with a timely intervention at the death having only come on seconds before.

Lancaster City: Thornley, Uberschar, Elderton, Marshall, Stringfellow, Haddow (Helliwell 86), Reid, Heffernan, Foster (Gierke 84), Jackson, Dodgson. 

 

Subs Not Used;     Price, Greenwood, Entwisle.

 

Referee: Simon Maher.

Attendance: 166.

 

Courtesy of Lancaster Guardian