Special Kay strike seals derby win
LYTHAM men's first team continued their top form with another firm 3-2 win over derby rivals Springfields. The first 15 minutes were superb, with good, fast passing movements on a difficult sandy pitch. Lytham were rewarded when an accurate Dave Robbins pass found Chris Hadley well placed to deflect the ball into goal. Springfields drew level following a penalty, corner and after half-time they scored again with a good run and finish. Lytham rallied and showed great determination to bring the scores level. Duncan Shields provided a good pass for Chris Simcock to score from five yards, and with eight minutes to go Chris Kay converted a well worked penalty corner to win the match.Lytham seconds put in their best performance of the season to beat Springfields 2-0 at Ansdell Arena. Lytham came out with all guns blazing, completely dominating the first 15 minutes but spurning many clear-cut chances. The home side were eventually rewarded with a good Richard Isherwood goal. The second half was a tense affair, but eventually their efforts were rewarded when Isherwood scored the winner, his sixth goal in two matches after a break from the club earlier in the season. This was a good all-round performance to improve the team's lowly League position.
Lytham thirds drew 1-1 with Winnington Park. This was very much a case of the speed and enthusiasm of youth versus experience of the seasoned hockey player. Winnington showed a lot of controlled hockey skills, while the speed and flair of such young players as Graham Shaw, Ben Currie and Danny Cottier-Brown. kept them at full stretch time and time again. All in all, the game was very even and ended with a fair result. Winnington Park scored first from a good breakaway and Lytham equalised after heavy pressure on the opposing defence, David Bleasdale converting a penalty stroke.
Lytham fourths won 2-1 at home to Northop Hall at Bispham Sports Centre. It was a very good performance for a Lytham side who are struggling at the bottom of their league. Lytham's early pressure paid off when a penalty corner, accurately pushed in by Stuart Waby, was well stopped and passed by Tim Killick for Andy Pothecary to score with a very well struck shot. The brothers Stuart and David Waby, together with Simon Gardiner, held the midfield together, while Mark Lilley had an excellent last game for the club before moving to Australia. Northop Hall equalised after half-time but then a good move by Gardiner, Killick and Mike Gannon enabled Jake Lavin to put the winner in the net. Lytham Badgers won 3-1 against Springfields at Preston. A strong mid-field, which supported their nippy strikers, was the main strength that brought about a well earned victory. Matt Edwards opened the scoring with a powerftil shot from the circle's edge. Springfields equalised but Robinson and Keith Stone both scored excellent goals to secure Lytham’s first victory of the season. Everyone gave 100 per cent Andy Taylor at right-back who was outstanding.Lytham Ladies beat Garstang 3-1 at Ansdell Arena. Lytham responded well after last week's poor performance with one of their best results of the season: Ruth Blackburn opened the scoring following a well-taken penalty corner routine involving a good one-two with Heidi Whitehead. The second half saw Garstang pun one back before Whitehead beat three defenders to score a superb solo goal. Lian Atkinson rounded off a tenacious performance with a goal scored from close range. Mention should be made of the departure of Kelly Ferguson, who has been such a power of strength in the defence.
No Match With the seconds' game postponed, it was left to the Lytham Ladies thirds to fly the flag with an excellent 5-1 win over Morecambe at Ansdell. Lytham started well, applying all the pressure. They managed to score three goals thanks to Claire Hill, Cheryl Bridges and Helen Murdock. Although Morecambe only had nine players, they came back stronger in the second half and managed to score, but further pressure from Lytham led to two more goals by Helen Murdock and Sarah Lloyd. Right-back Diana Harrison was Lytham's star player.