Recap

Pre-match preparations were hampered as Reds travelled down the M6 for a friendly at the Giant Axe.

Traffic was gridlocked at Penrith and the late arrival of players meant kick-off was delayed until 8.30pm.

And Reds found themselves three goals down by half time conceding a sloppy opener, a penalty and a third from a set piece.

First team squad members Connor Hammell, Hayden Tait and Lewis Moore were all given game time, after limited opportunities recently, and all performed well.

Harry Watson had gone closest to scoring in the first half but his finish didn’t match some impressive approach play.

City extended their lead early in the second half despite a fine goalkeeping display from Lister, who also saved a penalty.

A good passage of play led to Reds’ consolation goal, calmly taken by Moore (inset), but City had the final say netting a fifth before time. 

“We are a very young squad and it was valuable experience playing against a good Lancaster side,” said Craig Johnston adding, “the score doesn’t reflect how well we played at times.”

Team: Aaron Lister, Hayden Tait, Owen Birkett (Owen Johnston), Scott Williamson, Callum Bell, Cain Pears (Luke Davidson), Lewis Moore, Chad Grisdale, Connor Hammell (Spencer Bland), Harry Watson, Jaden Scott.

• Some of the Development Squad will probably feature in the Cumberland Cup on Tuesday against Gosforth at Borough Park.  And should they progress they will play Dearham United in the next round.