Lee's strike came when Lee Bullock played a pin point 35 yard pass to John Robinson. Robbo then crossed with precision to Lee as he arrived at the back post to head home.
There were may first half chances for City with Lee working extremely hard. He started tonight in place of the slightly injured Peter Thorne and on tonights showing it's Lee that must be favourite to start at Crewe on Saturday.
Lee Bullock came in for Willie Boland and was again a very steady player. I feel Boland might grab his pace back on Saturday if he's fit.
Lennie said he'd play his preferred starting line up tonight, injuries pending.
City started with
Margetson
Weson, Page, Gabbidon, Vidmar, Langley, Bullock, Kav, Robinson, Earnie, Lee.
It would therefore suggest a place on the bench for Parry and Campbell. As I say, I think Lee will keep the shirt.
City took the game to Lazio in the first half, the Italians had two decent chances, one straight at Margetson and one that flew into the Grange End. City meanwhile puulled the Romans all over the pitch.
City made changes at half time. Warner for Margetson, Collins for Gabbidon. Lazio came more into the game in the second half. They stepped up a gear and their passing and movement stretched City and as the Bluebirds tired Lazio were able to strike. Pandev made it 1 - 1 after some crisp passing saw him with a sight at goal.
City responded and Earnie pulled out a plum when he cut in from the left and curled a beauty past the outstretched keeper.
City were still celebrating when Manfredini shot from 25 yards and saw his effort go in off the post.
Still a 2 - 2 draw against a top Serie A side would have been a top result. City though shot themselves in the foot. A hopefull ball forward was easily set up for Tony Warner to clear, he mis-kicked and put the ball out for a throw. Lazio took it quickly and as Warner was scampering back to his goal line Roberto Mussi let fly from 35 yards and Warner could only manage to make a right hash of the catch and dropped the ball into his own net.
In my opinion Martyn Mergetson had his name etched into the team sheet for Saturday when that happened. I think Margetson would have got the nod anyway.
So it ended 3 - 2. Over 12,300 fans. A superbly entertaining game but a 6th pre season match without a win. There's no more dress rehearsalls. On Saturday at Crewe it's the real thing.