BRAVE Lancaster City tasted defeat again - but surely their luck has to change as they pushed Alfreton all the way at Giant Axe on Saturday.

The Dolly Blues were undone by two goals in six first-half minutes as their effort and commitment went without reward - and a dubious refereeing display from Andrew Scregg didn't help matters.

Scregg chalked off a late City goal from Ryan Elderton after ruling the ball had run out of play before Neil Marshall centred. It was a poor decision, which cost City dear as they were in charge at the time and turning the screw on Town.

City started well and Leon Gierke should have put them ahead but he volleyed straight at the keeper before Scregg waved away penalty appeals as Tommy Hannigan handled.

The visitors went ahead on 18 minutes as Ryan Clarke rose well to flick home an Ashley Burbeary corner and then a Burbeary free-kick found its way to Clarke who stabbed home from close range.

It was a double blow for City and Aaron Helliwell did well to hack off the line to keep the score 2-0 before Lee Sparks went close with a snap shot.

The second half was all City but Alfreton dug deep - and when Scregg said no to their impassioned penalty appeals it was game over.