WINDERMERE suffered a hiccup – but not a fatal one – in their quest for promotion from North League Division Two West.

Knowing victories in their remaining three fixtures would seal them both the title and a place in Division One, they headed to lowly Lytham St Annes full of belief.

But the relegation battlers put a brake on their ambition by holding them to a 2-2 draw.

The Seasiders survived more than a dozen goal-scoring chances, but in the end Windermere had to settle for a brace of Will Dolman strikes to match the home side’s tally.

Mere were happy the match had survived the weekend freeze, but the drawn outcome was cold comfort for them as they are now only a single point clear of rivals Deeside, with just two games to go.

A potential title-decider looms on Saturday when they travel to in-form leaders Brooklands MU. The Manchester side cannot be promoted, but still have their eyes on top spot, sitting three point clear of their South Cumbrian rivals.

Anything other than a win for Windermere would open the door for Deeside to climb above them and sit in pole position ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Windermere Ladies were without seven regular squad players at Lancaster University, and the students took full advantage to win 8-1 in their Central Lancashire Premier League clash.

Youngsters Raine Wickens, Zoe Birkett and Holly Glaister slotted in well, and Mere were only 3-0 down at half-time.

A Sally Harrison goal raised hopes of a comeback, but Lancaster’s defence held firm and they added a further five goals.

The scoreline masked a string of good saves by busy goalkeeper Millie Hine and strong defending by the impressive Chloe Balmer.

Windermere Men’s seconds beat Lancaster and Morecambe thirds 4-0 in their penultimate game to probably ensure North West Division Five North survival.

Michael Shields. Jamie Hill and skipper Jason Balmer scored first-half goals, and Tom Schreiber sealed the result with a superb strike near the end.

However, it was the opening industry of man-of-the match Tom Matthews, Schreiber, Jamie Hill and Tyler Hill that laid the foundations for a decisive victory.