PAUL Rigby was sent off as Lancaster City were thumped 6-1 at Droyslden on Saturday, despite matching the Conference North leaders for long periods.

The Dolly Blues were well and truly cut to pieces at the Butcher's Arms, although when they fell behind to Steve Halford's header it was against the run of play.

Lee Sparks levelled the game in stoppage time when he slammed home from 12 yards to make it 1-1.

Droylsden had two goals disallowed for offside in that first period but City had held firm and an upset may have been on the cards.

However, the home side took a stranglehold on 64 minutes when the lethal Terry Fearns finished off Blake Norton's smart cross before firing home two penalties to complete a quick-fire seven minute hat-trick to leave City reeling.

Rigby was red-carded for handball for the first offence to finish Lancaster off before late strikes from Steve Daly and Jody Banim added an extra gloss for the home side Lancaster City: Brindle, Galley, Marshall, Rigby, Henry, Williams, Elderton, Uberschar, Gierke (Connerton 67), Sparks (Luke Foxcroft 89), Lee Foxcroft (Durnan 80) Subs (not used): Doherty, Helliwell.

Referee: Danny Hanley (Wigan)