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Memories of the 5-2 defeat to Skelmersdale four days earlier were erased with a performance that allowed goalkeeper Mark Thornley to have a quiet afternoon.

The experienced pair of Neil Uberschar and skipper Michael Stringfellow – who was moved to centre-back from midfield – played key roles in dealing with what a disappointing Halifax attack had to offer.

And, at the other end, City striker Dave Foster scored two typical poacher's goals – one in each half – to make it three in three games for him this season.

Foster's striker partner Paul Fildes was the first to have a chance on goal with a snapshot that was easy for Phil Senior to take in the seventh minute.

But Senior didn't have much chance 11 minutes later when Foster rounded off a slick move, slotting the ball home after Fildes had dummied a cross from Mike Rushton.

Halifax were down to 10 men at the time with Ross Clegg having treatment. He was replaced on 19 minutes, summing up a bad first half for a team who brought good support to the Giant Axe terraces and are expected to challenge this season.

The visitors did improve after the break having been sent out early by manager Jim Vince.

But the closest they came to forcing Thornley into action was when Stephen Payne nodded wide from a free-kick just before the hour.

Even with Halifax lacking a threat, City still needed a second goal to breath a little easier and it came on 79 minutes from a well-worked corner. Aaron Helliwell swung the ball in, Neil Marshall headed on and Foster produced an impressive leap to nod the ball into the top corner.

By then the visitors had introduced former Preston striker Nigel Jemson and he showed some good touches but it took a late miscued header from Stringfellow, which cannoned off the bar, to put City's goal in any danger.

Indeed, the scoreline could have been more comprehensive for City as they wasted several good counter-attack opportunities, Helliwell, Rushton and Tom Entwisle all having chances.

Lancaster City: Thornley 6, Uberschar 8, Marshall 7, Heffernan 7, Greenwood 7 (Entwisle 85), Stringfellow 8, Rushton 7, Ward 7, Foster 8, Fildes 7 (Jackson 66), Dodgson 7 (Helliwell 66). Unused subs: Rigby, Price.

FC Halifax Town: Senior, Moore, King (Brown 46), Payne, Adams, Clegg (Proffitt 19), J Smith, Walker, Stott, Ross (Jemson 70), C Smith. Unused subs: Kennedy, Hinsley.

Referee: Gary Hilton.
Attendance: 564.

STAR MAN: Neil Uberschar – solid in defence, both on the ground and in the air, and looked to be involved going forward.