South Lakes 1 Keswick 2

KESWICK blew the Cumbria League title race wide open as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on leaders South Lakes.

The second-placed visitors closed to within a point of their hosts at the summit as they did what no team before them has been able to achieve this season.

South Lakes still hold the advantage at the top, knowing they will take the title should they win all four of their remaining games, but they now know any slip-ups could let their rivals in for the kill.

A crucial game will come at home to third-placed Penrith – themselves still in with a sniff of finishing on top – next weekend, while Keswick's toughest challenge comes away at fourth-placed Wigton on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.

South Lakes made an unsteady start against Keswick, but managed to stay on terms until they settled into their game.

But despite having a number of fantastic runs and shots on goal, the home side could not find the back of the net.

Instead, it was Keswick who produced a quick break for their player to go one-on-one with keeper Joy Potter, who could not prevent the opening goal.

There was a fast response as, minutes later, Lakes were awarded another short corner, and this one paid off.

Rebecca Cook injected the ball to Anna Stable, who found player-of-the-match Emma Armstrong on the post for her to score, making it 1-1 at half-time.

South Lakes came out in the second half with most of the possession, with some skilful play by Jenny Clayton, Sarah Robinson and Holly Nuttall.

They gained another short corner, but despite their efforts were unable to add a second.

A fine chance came when Rebekah Nuttall played the ball out to Catherine Cooke, who passed down to Lois Viney. She switched in to Gemma Jupp, whose a shot on goal was deflected off the Keswick keeper to safety.

With 10 minutes to go, the visitors struck the decisive goal.

A fast break beat the defence and a shot found the target, with protests it was scored with the back of the stick waved away by the umpire.

South Lakes pushed for a second equaliser, and Lesley Davey played the ball out to Holly Nuttall, who switched to Natalie Knowles, with a short corner the reward.

Knowles injected the ball to Nuttall, whose strike was deflected off the keeper, with no way through.

South Lakes are due to play Kendal seconds at Ulverston Leisure Centre on Saturday (12.30pm start).