A 139-run fourth-wicket stand between Michael Brown and Chris Benham kept Hampshire in sight of Lancashire's first innings of 357 at Old Trafford.

Benham (70 not out) joined Brown (75 not out) with their side struggling at 35-3, but the pair guided Hampshire to 174-3 at stumps on day two.

Lancashire boosted their overnight total of 261-5 thanks to Francois du Plessis (57) and Dominic Cork (35).

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir (5-123) was the pick of the Hampshire bowlers.

Lancashire are chasing their third successive victory as they seek to improve their Division One Championship hopes.

But they began the day badly when England discard Chris Tremlett had Luke Sutton caught behind by Nic Pothas for two in the second over of the day.

A swift knock from Cork helped the home side from 294-8, but they missed out on a fifth maximum batting point, falling short of the required 400.

The former England seamer put on 47 with Gary Keedy (15), who became Tahir's fifth wicket when he was caught at deep mid-wicket by David Balcombe.

Hampshire lost their first wicket with the score on three when Sean Ervine was brilliantly caught by Du Plessis at point off Sajid Mahmood.

John Crawley (3) shouldered arms to a Glenn Chapple delivery and saw his off stump disturbed after lunch with the score on 15.

And he was soon joined in the pavilion by Michael Lumb, who was caught behind off Cork for nine.

That dismissal brought Benham, playing only his second game of the season, to the crease and he, along with Lancashire-born Brown, ensured Hampshire regained their composure and foothold in the match.

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