Windermere 2 Lytham 0

WINDERMERE returned to winning form with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Lytham.

The result sends them level on points with North Two West division leaders West Derby.

Vice-captain Richie Jackson gave Mere a great start with a typical jinking run and shot that saw the ball sail into the top corner of the goal.

But Lytham began to sit deep, with layers of defenders determined to blunt the Lakes side’s passing game.

The visitors actually won a couple of short corners when they did counter, though they never really threatened Mark Nixon’s goal.

The only worry for Mere was that at 1-0 up they were always within reach.

There was a collective sigh of relief when a good passing move put Steve Heyns through one-on-one with the visiting keeper with just five minutes remaining.

Heyns looked to have rounded his opponent, but somehow the stopper parried the Lakes attacker’s first strike, only for Heyns to neatly lift the rebound over him to seal maximum points.

Mere travel to Winnington Park for their next North 2 West match this weekend.

Windermere seconds climbed to fifth in the North West Division Five North table with a 1-0 win at Lytham fourths, thanks to a late breakaway goal by Jason Balmer.

They are at home to Ulverston-based South Lakes seconds on Saturday.

Windermere Ladies continued their unbeaten start to the season in the Lancashire Central Women’s League Division Two with a gritty 3-0 victory at Fulwood Ladies.

Goalless at half-time, Mere upped their game after the interval and open play strikes by Cat Drury, Alice Bolton and Katie Harrison gave the leaders a deserved win.

Goalkeeper Millie Hine only had to make one clearance kick all afternoon.