IN
a match which was always going to be very competitive and
physical Lytham men's first team gave themselves an up hill
struggle by conceding an early goal on their way to a 4-2
home defeat to Leeds.
But
they replied shortly after when Dave Robbins struck the ball
home from the top of the circle.
Lytham
fell behind again from a penalty stroke after 20 minutes. And they went further behind before the
inform Craig Nuttall reduced the deficit before half time.
After
early injuries to both Chris Kay and Duncan Shields meant a
defensive re-organisation, Lytham looked more organised with
Tom Atkinson playing well to stop the Leeds midfield
domination. With
ten minutes to go Lytham conceded a soft goal but when the
opposition goalkeeper was sent off for a deliberate foul at
the same time conceding a penalty stroke Lytham saw a
glimpse of hope.
However
the Leeds coach came on as goalkeeper and saved Dave
Robbins' flick to rapturous applause.
Lytham's
run of defeats continues but they must surely turn the
corner soon after another comparatively good performance
which warranted a greater return.
Lytham
fourths got their season rolling with a well deserved three
points with a 2-1win at Morecambe thirds.
Lytham
dominated the first half with Phil Collier-Baker scoring
their first goal from a penalty corner and Matt Harwood
creating several chances.
Stuart
Waby and Tim Killick were dominant while Mark Lilley showed
prominently. Collier-Baker added his second just before
halftime with another clinical finish.
In
the second half Lytham found the going harder against the
wind and slope but defended strongly with Brian Taylor and
Lilley outstanding. Lytham leaked a goal when captain Waby
got caught in possession in his own circle and despite his
valiant efforts keeper Bob Barlow couldn't keep it out.
But
Lytham fought back well and Mike Gannon was unlucky to have
a powerful shot saved after Matt Harwood had released a
telling through ball.
In
atrocious conditions on the excellent Lytham St Annes pitch,
Lytham Ladies first team ran out easy 5-1 winners against
under strength Darwen. Good attacking play on the left wing led
to a first goal from Lian Atkinson, followed by a second
from Heidi Whitehead. Early
in the second half amid a torrential downpour the game was
nearly abandoned but both teams agreed to carry on, bringing
a Lytham goal from Atkinson and two from Whitehead whose
hat-trick preceded Darwen's late consolation goal.
Lytham
ladies thirds triumphed 4-2 against Springfields fourths. Lytham started well and after numerous
chances had gone astray Toni Werner eventually scored a fine
individual goal. Springfields leveled then scored again
just after half time. Gillie
Cooper, playing a great game at centre midfield, leveled the
scores. First Cooper put them in the lead then Werner made
the final score 4-2.