Workington 1 Lancaster City 2

LANCASTER City turned in one of their best performances of the season at one of the toughest venues to book their place in the FA Trophy first round and a tie at Stafford Rangers.

A replay on a freezing Tuesday night in December in Workington was never going to be pleasant but City rose above the intimidation of Workington's roughhouse tactics to football the Reds off the park and the 2-1 replay win was well deserved.

No-one can doubt the commitment of Lancaster City's young guns, and those recently muttering their discontent should have been in North Cumbria, where they would have seen a lesson in passion for the cause.

From the off City hustled and harried the Reds and refused to be intimidated, and when Tom Pope crossed for Alex Taylor on 20 minutes the teenager was denied only by a brilliant Adam Collin save.

And then Pope, on loan from Crewe, should have won a penalty when his legs were axed away by Matt Henney as he cut into the area.

But referee Barry Law may have been persuaded by the Workington protests and waved for play to continue.

The first half then turned in Workington's favour with Tony McMillan saving brilliantly at the second attempt - from a Lee Hoolikin free-kick before the whistle went.

The temperature fell even lower and the pitch started freeze over but that only seemed to spur City on and the ever-running Taylor was sent clear by Andrew Bond after good work from Mike Eckersley.

Taylor did well but saw Collin save his shot at the expense of a corner which set up the opening goal as the flag kick was whipped in by skipper Gary Bauress and there was Pope to rise proudly over the defence to head home.

It was a quality header and put City in the driving seat, although Workington should have levelled when Matt Henney hit a post before Alan Gray sent the rebound horrendously wide.

Then three bad refereeing decisions in 30 seconds were too much for City boss Phil Wilson to take and he was sent to what passes for a stand at Borough Park for comments made to a referee's assistant.

Taylor was denied again before Howson headed home his first goal for more than two years from the perfect Bauress free-kick 10 minutes from time.

That was game over, although Workington's Ian Arnold pulled a stoppage time goal back with a long-range free kick. But City held on to celebrate a major win and a trip to Stafford on Saturday week.

City: McMillan 8, McMahon 8, Howson 8, Scott 8, Uberschar 8, Bauress 9, Bond 8, Elderton 8, Eckersley 8, Pope 9, Alex Taylor 9. Subs (not used): Skinner, Shaw, Foxcroft, Andy Taylor.

Referee: B Law

Attendance: 326