WINDERMERE took a significant step towards promotion with victory over rivals Deeside Ramblers.

Mere claimed a 4-1 victory at Troutbeck Bridge to greatly boost their quest to rise up from North League Division Two West.

If they win two of their remaining three games, they will be promoted automatically, and if they take all three, they will go up as champions – with leaders Brooklands MU ineligible to climb another level, and the two sides due to meet on March 24.

Level on points before the game began, Deeside were in determined mood, and in front of a sizeable crowd the opening exchanges reflected what was at stake.

The score was deadlocked at 1-1 for a long spell, until Windermere’s superior attitude, effort and sheer passion eventually wore down their opponents and they pulled away to win 4-1.

Tom Whitehead, Will Dolman, skipper Chris Toward and Joe Kay were the men on target.

Windermere travel to Lytham St Annes in their antepenultimate fixture.

There was frustration for Windermere Ladies, as they conceded a goal in the dying seconds of their Central Lancashire Prem League match with leaders Preston to frustratingly lose 2-1.

Preston could not find a way through Mere’s well-organised defence in the first half, and the South Cumbrians then rattled their cage with the opening goal – slotted home by players’ player-of-the-match Kitty Brownell after a break by captain Caitlin Taylor.

However, Preston showed why they are top by scrambling an equaliser and, just as the game seemed set for a draw, they scored the winner.

Windermere Men’s seconds travelled to Formby thirds for their last North West League Division Five North away fixture, determined not to be thrashed by the division leaders.

Mere’s defensive formation confounded Formby for long spells and the home side only led 3-1 with 10 minutes remaining, before tiring legs finally allowed them to grab two late goals for a 5-1 victory.

Mere’s goal was a well-hit strike by man-of-the-match Jamie Hill, after clever approach play by Isaac Ravenhill.

An impressive all-round team performance gave Windermere Ladies seconds a 5-0 win over Ambleside in a rearranged Netherwood Development League game.

Mere’s scorers were Sarah Hartley (2), Raine Wickens and captain Lucie Staniek (2). Zoe Birkett won the junior player nomination.