VAUXHALL'S FA Cup dream is over for another year as they failed take down a solid Lancaster side at Rivacre Park last night.

The Dolly Blues' reward for winning the tie is a trip to fellow UniBond Premier Division outfit Altrincham and £20,000.

Vauxhall manager Alvin McDonald said: 'We've played in front of a big crowd tonight but haven't performed. Lancaster showed why they're undefeated and they came and did a very professional job. That's the first time this season that we've been second best.'

The visitors were always a step ahead from the start and Steve Hilton was forced into action just two minutes in as he denied Kenny Mayers from close range.

Lancaster continued to go close and Andy Whittaker then rattled Hilton's left hand post with a header from Lee Clitheroe's left wing cross.

With heavy rain now soaking Rivacre Park and the bumper crowd dashing from the touchline and into the grandstand, the visitors took the lead three minutes from the break.

Phil Brown lofted a ball to the back post and Whittaker was on hand to poke home from point blank range with an effort into the roof of the Vauxhall net.

There were few clear-cut chances for the Motormen after the break and Nicky Young shot too close to Mark Thornley from Terry Fearns' knock-down.

Their best opportunities came from set pieces and Matt Haddrell's effort from a Carl Nesbitt corner, flicked on by Young, was deflected agonisingly wide.

Vauxhall almost snatched an unlikely equaliser two minutes from the end when Phil Brazier's stabbed shot hit Lancaster's left hand post from Stuart Wright's corner kick.

But it was not to be and the Motormen bow out of their first ever FA Cup run.

Vauxhall: Hilton, Rigby, McDermott, Brazier, Haddrell, Lynch, Nesbitt, Lawton (Wright 80), Cumiskey, Young, Fearns (Stanhope 75). Attendance: 601

* The Motormen turn their attentions to the FA Trophy on Saturday at Corby Town.

They then return to league action with a trip to Hyde United on Wednesday, November 7.