LANCASHIRE'S one-day promotion hopes suffered an embarrassing blow as they were humbled by Scotland's part-timers at Old Trafford.

They fell 41 runs short of a Saltires total set up by solicitor Greg Williamson and postman Colin Smith.

At least Lancashire were not the first county to be humbled by the Scots this season, as Durham and Somerset have already lost to them. But it was their first away win, and means that the Saltires, rather than Lightning, are currently on course for promotion.

"To come here and beat one of the most famous counties at one of the most famous grounds is something special," said their captain Craig Wright, who claimed three crucial wickets as Lancashire were all out for 151 in reply to Scotland's 192-8.

"We are very disappointed," admitted Lancashire manager Mike Watkinson. "They went about their job in the right way."

The implication there was that Lancashire had not. Maybe they will reflect on their decision to bowl first, because chasing a target was always going to be tricky on a slow, spinning pitch.

Sajid Mahmood continued his productive week with three for 41, a new National League best, and Glen Chapple earned excellent figures of two for 18 from his eight overs.

But Williamson lofted Sajid for one six and Chris Schofield for two in an innings of 60 in 71 balls which was more than any of the Lancashire batsmen could manage.

Mal Loye top-scored with 38 and Peter Martin ended unbeaten on 29 but the game was lost with a middle order collapse.

Stuart Law, the hero of Lancashire's last win against Hampshire, was stumped off a leg side wide and Carl Hooper was brilliantly run out by Ian Stanger for two.

At least Lancashire have the chance to bounce back with a C&G Trophy tie at Durham on Wednesday - and will be boosted by the return of James Anderson from his Test heroics. But Andy Flintoff will definitely be out as he is still struggling with his arm injury.