A ninth-wicket stand of 78 between Lancashire all-rounders Glen Chapple and Dominic Cork frustrated Sussex on day three at Old Trafford.

But the county champions need 176 to win the match and they reached the close on 14-0 after 10 cautious overs.

Lancashire began the day on 9-1 and despite 73 from Stuart Law they were in strife at 84-5 and 181-8 before Chapple (52no) and Cork (43) rescued them.

Jason Lewry (3-39) was the pick of the bowlers as Lancashire were 285 all out.

Lancashire desperately needed to build partnerships as they began the day, but they have passed 400 only once this season and their batting problems continued.

Lewry picked up the wicket of nightwatchman Gary Keedy and then he trapped Francois du Plessis lbw to leave Lancashire reeling on 84-5, still 26 behind.

Law gave them some hope with a belligerent knock and he put on 67 with wicketkeeper Luke Sutton (34) for the seventh wicket, before Lewry and Mushtaq pounced to swing the game firmly in Sussex's favour.

But Chapple smashed five fours and a six and Cork blitzed five fours and two maximums and they smashed 61 in seven overs at one stage as they threatened to run riot.

Mustaq eventually had Cork caught at mid-off by Luke Wright and Sajid Mahmood was the last man out for eight, unluckily run out backing up at the non-striker's end.

Chris Nash and Mark Thornely edged their way to 14 before the close as Chapple bowled three maidens to put pressure on the Sussex run chase.