Lancaster make play-off chasing Gainsborough Trinity pay for missed chances

But, thankfully, rivals Stockton Town also lost and Trinity ended the day still in the play-off spots with two games to go, though a win would have seen the Holy Blues four points clear.

The Dolly Blues took their chances to make Russ Wilcox's side rue missed first half opportunities, as goal difference took an uncharacteristic hit at the same time.

Already deprived of Theo Williams, who had returned to Kings Lynn Town, a depleted Trinity were also without injured top scorer Jonny Margetts while Aaron Simpson failed a late fitness test, and he was replaced at right back Harvey Sutcliffe, to make his full debut, with only four subs named.

Despite the low numbers available to boss Russ Wilcox, his side went straight for the throat.

And Gainsborough should have led less than 40 seconds into the game, keeper Brad Kelly somehow denying Fraser Preston from point blank range.

Sisa Tuntulwana did well to win possession back just outside the box before stinging the palms of Kelly from a tight angle.

Helliwell was next to test Kelly with a left-footed effort towards the bottom left hand corner that the keeper was again down smartly to save.

Midway through the half, Javelle Clarke was first to the ball just inside the City penalty box. Ahead of Kelly, he managed to make the connection, poking the ball beyond the goalkeeper and narrowly wide.

Lancaster had been forced to weather a storm but started to come into the game just past the half hour mark, Robson twice in quick succession called into action with two low, plunging saves away to his right.

In first half stoppage time, Frank Mulhern tried his luck from distance, forcing another good piece of work from Kelly.

Just six minutes into the second half, Tuntulwana saw his effort beat Kelly, but not the man who had got back onto the line.

But 10 minutes into the half, and out of nothing, Sam Bailey opened the scoring for the hosts.

With too much time, he took a long range pop at goal that caught Robson completely off guard. With the wind assisting, the right-footed Bailey’s effort from left wing back bent away from the keeper and gave Lancaster the lead against the run of play.

One quickly became two as a good move was rounded off by Joe Amison three minutes later, giving Trinity a mountain to climb.

Trinity responded, and Sisa looked to tease a ball in towards the near post. Clarke attacked the ball, but as he tried to guide it in at the near post, Kelly was again equal to the effort, smuggling the ball behind for a corner.

Sutcliffe was next to test Kelly. Cutting in off the right, with his weaker foot, the former Leeds youngster saw his effort tipped over the bar.

Instead, Trinity conceded a late corner deep into added time. And Dylan Thompson wrapped up the scoring direct from the corner, adding further insult to injury.