Lancing take the derby honours against United

But with both teams hovering at the foot of the league table, a lack of confidence in finishing was evident, as a number of early chances were squandered.

Despite United captain Dan Rahaman holding the line well in defence, his side soaked up plenty of early pressure that saw keeper Daryl Ashworth endure a busy Tuesday evening.

The breakthrough at Lyons Farms eventually came in the 35th minute from former United forward Dominic Shepherd. He calmly converted a penalty that was awarded for a foul on him inside the box by the home team’s goalie, who had failed to fully gather an incoming shot.

After the break, United came out in more determined style. However, they continued to be pegged back by the pace of the away side’s wingers and forwards.

Daryl Ashworth was forced to make another fine full-stretch save from forward Alex Spinks, whose partnership with Shepherd threatened to extend the lead on several occasions.

However, United winger Alex Wilson appeared to have brought the scores even after 72 minutes with a shot from the right of the box – only to find his effort ruled offside.

The game became stretched in the latter stages, but Lancing struck the decisive blow with a well-worked attacking move. Substitute Jared Rance’s drive from 20 yards was deflected home to complete the away side’s victory in a well-contested match.

Lancing manager Richard Whitting said: “This was a cracking result and a deserved win for the performance we put in. The only thing that was disappointing was that we did not score more goals as we dominated the game from the beginning.”

United assistant manager George Bish added: “I think we did well in battling to the end of the game, which is the positive I am taking from it.

“But it is hard in terms of confidence when we have not been winning. We have been getting a lot of good feedback, but it has been frustrating this season.”