Lytham slow starters sunk
Lytham St Annes men were pipped 2-1 at home to Springfields after conceding a goal in the opposition's second attack inside five minutes. Lytham responded quickly and forced many short corners. David Hans hit the post and the ball was struck against the wheel on the goal too, but not in the net. Ironically, Lytham's worst short corner move resulted in a goal. Dave Robbins' scuffed flick rolled past the keeper. Lytham started to play the good hockey that had earned them a point the previous week and looked the stronger side for the remaining ten minutes of the first half. However, the second half saw Springfleld§ take the lead again, when an unmarked player slotted the ball home from close range. Despite much attacking pressure, Lytham were unable to create clearcut scoring chances and their numerous short cornets went to waste. Lytham Men's second string were 3-1 losers at Springfields seconds, who scored three times before half-time. Lytham played better in the second half with Sam Ashworth scoring. The third team bounced back from a bad defeat a week earlier to trounce Winnington Park 5-0. Scorers were Paul Burnett (2), David Nuttall Michael Hall and Martin Currie. The fourth string were unlucky to come away from Northop Hall only drawing 1-1. Mark Lewis made a welcome return to the club after university years away. Strong defending by Mark Lilley and Ken Ashworth slowed down second-half home attacks while goalkeeper Matt Harwood was steady. Mike Gannon put Lytham ahead and the shot with which the Welsh side equalised struck a foot on its way in. No Match Lytham St Annes Badgers managed a goalless draw to Morecambe, who had the upper hand in the second half but were denied by solid fence noticeably from Jam Benson and goalkeeper Stuart Craig. There was good support play from Jake Lavin and Kieran GriffithsAtkinson puts Ladies on the path of victory
Lytham St Annes Ladies registered a 3-0 win over Springfields to improve their position in the Lancashire Central Women's League Premier Division. After a bright start Lian Atkinson picked up a through from Michelle Singleton and coolly rounded the keeper to slot home. Ruth Blackburn rounded off a solid first-half with the second. Lytham continued to dominate in the second half and Jenny Leng found the net by diverting a Kelly Ferguson shot. Weakened Lytham Ladies seconds lost 3-1 away to Southport seconds. Lorna Leach and Sue Wood battled to stem the first half tide as Southport scored three times. In the second half a good move between Janet Shaw and Kerry Gore led to Jo Martyn-Clark scoring The third string were 5-2 winners at home to Lancaster fifths, scoring early on through Helen Murdoch. By half-time Michelle Birtwell had added a second. Lancaster came back strongly at the start of the second half and scored. However Lytham scored three quick goals through Toni Verner (2) and Helen Murdoch.