LANCASTER CITY edged their way through to the next round of the FA Trophy after a hard fought win over Leek Town.

A second half strike from Lenny Reid on 54 minutes was enough to see off their Unibond South rivals.

The swirling wind and constant rain meant that this match was never going to be a classic. The visitors were wind assisted in the first half but could not take their chances.

The Staffordshire side were on top for large parts of the second half but some poor finishing from left winger Wayne Corden, who had three gilt-edged chances, meant City escaped punishment for not getting on terms.

A disallowed headed goal from Leek captain Nick Ward, for a push on City keeper Mark Thornley, only added to their frustration.

Thornley was pressed into action throughout the first half as Leek piled the pressure on the home side, camping in their half and simply not allowing them to settle.

City were always going to have it easier in the second half, when they would be playing with the wind. Man of the match Lee Dodgson looked particularly dangerous along with his fellow winger and eventual goal scorer Reid.

Dodgson was instrumental in most City attacks and it was inevitable that he would have a hand in the winner.

After an electric run down the left, leaving the full-back for dead, he whipped in a cross to City striker Mark Jackson. His shot was well saved but the ball fell to Reid who smashed it into the back of the net.

It could well have been even more comfortable. Jackson, Dave Foster and Dominic Ward all had good efforts on goal, Ward and Foster striking narrowly over the bar while Jackson forced Leek stopper Richard Froggatt into making two smart saves.

Leek threw everything at City in search of an equaliser but City prevailed into the next round and a clash at home to Rugby on October 18.

Lancaster City: Thornley, Uberschar, Elderton, Marshall, Stringfellow, Heffernan, Reid (Entwisle 69), Ward, Foster (Helliwell 78), Jackson, Dodgson. Subs not used: Price, Rigby, Haddow.

Referee: Gordon Johnson

Attendance: 142

* THERE was disappointment for City last Tuesday when they were knocked out of another cup competition when they lost 2-0 at Radcliffe Borough in the UniBond Challenge Cup.