WINDERMERE ended their North League Division Two West campaign with a 7-4 defeat in an open match at Deeside Ramblers.

Going into their final game, Mere could not improve on fourth place, and fifth-placed Deeside could not catch them.

The Lake District side failed to build on a sparkling start which saw them go 2-0 up in seven minutes, with quick balls into the D clinically finished off by Jake Fisher and Nat Smith.

Deeside pulled it back to 2-2 from short corners, then took the lead before half-time.

The hosts added another four goals in end-to-end exchanges after the interval, while Mere could only respond with a stunning volley high into the net by man-of-the-match Smith and a penalty stroke from Will Dolman after a desperate defender stopped the ball with his foot on the line.

Windermere Ladies were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at in-form Lancaster and Morecambe seconds in Central Lancashire Division Two.

Mere worked hard throughout, and Evie Turner scored a sizzling first-half goal, which Kitty Brownell added to in the second half.

The two sides meet again in Mere’s final, rearranged league fixture at the Lakes School on Saturday.

A 7-3 home victory over Formby fourths boosted Windermere seconds' hopes of avoiding relegation from North West Division Five.

Jason Balmer (2), man-of-the-match Isaac Ravenhill (2), Olly Thomas (2) and skipper Seb Flint scored the goals.

Their rearranged fixture against Formby thirds had to be switched to Lancaster to survive Sunday’s deluge. Second-placed Formby won 3-1 and Mere’s man-of-the-match was defender Graham Munday.