Windermere men’s first XI’s match at Liverpool Sefton, in North League Division Two West, was abandoned in extraordinary circumstances last Saturday, following police intervention.

The game at Liverpool Hope University was a thrilling affair and was tied at 4-4 with 47 minutes on the clock when Merseyside Police instructed staff to immediately clear all visitors from the campus, owing to a ‘serious incident.’

This included all players on Sefton’s astroturf pitch, meaning a cracking encounter was cut off in its prime and denied ‘Mere, who had been 4-1 up, the chance to push for their first win of the season.

The visitors started the match very much on the front foot and went ahead early on when Will Dolman pounced on a rebound, following a short corner.

Ben Williamson then put Windermere 2-0 ahead with a reverse stick strike before Keenan Quill added a third with a cheeky deflection over the goalkeeper from a tight angle in what was a devastating opening spell.

Sefton then got themselves on the board, but Harry Jackson re-established a three-goal cushion when he went past two attempted tackles and a diving goalkeeper to score into an open goal.

However, the hosts came roaring back to haul themselves level in the second half, with both sides going hammer and tongs in attack at the time the match was brought to a halt.

Windermere will have to wait on the league’s ruling as to whether the result will stand or they will have to replay the match at a later date, which all depends on how they see the surrounding circumstances.

Their next match involves them hosting unbeaten league leaders Preston 2nd XI on Saturday.

The men’s 2nd XI fought back from two goals down to draw 3-3 at home against Ormskirk 2nd XI in North West Division Five North.

Mere started well and had chances to go ahead against the division’s pace-setters, but found themselves two goals behind when Ormskirk twice capitalised on gaps at the back post.

However, renewed effort by the midfield got the hosts back on course in the second half and great finishes by Jamie Hill and Archie Dalzell (2) more than matched a third Ormskirk goal to earn a valuable draw.

Fantastic reaction saves from ‘Mere goalkeeper Rob Curme won him the man of the match vote, with his side facing South Lakes 2nd XI in a local derby this weekend.

Windermere women’s 1st XI return to action in the Lancashire Central Premier Division away to Longridge 2nd XI on Saturday after sitting the last week out.