South Lakes ladies 1st XI’s difficult season in the North League Division Two North West continued last Saturday, as they were defeated 4-1 at home by Liverpool Sefton 2nd XI.

Emma Armstrong’s goal from free play was all Lakes had to show for their efforts, as they fell to their eighth loss in 11 games this campaign against opponents who are safely in mid-table.

It proved to be an even more difficult afternoon for their men’s 1st XI, who were hammered 9-1 at Bury in Division Three North of the North West League.

Ben Harris struck the scantest of consolations for South Lakes, who were overwhelmed on their travels, with Jack Marshall-Grint scoring four goals in a landslide win for Bury.

James Larmett and Adam Friend both bagged braces for the home side, with Ian Hillary claiming their other goal.

It was a free weekend for South Lakes men’s 2nd XI in Division Five North North, but they’ll be back in action in what is the last round of fixtures before Christmas for all the club’s teams when they host Lytham St Annes 2nd XI on Saturday.

The ladies’ 1st XI will be pushing off at home to Clitheroe and Blackburn Northern, while the men will travel to Liverpool John Moores University.

In the Lancashire Central League Premier Division, Windermere ladies’ 1st XI finally got back to winning ways in what was their last match before the winter break by defeating bottom side Pendle Forest 3rd XI 3-0.

Constant first-half pressure eventually brought the opening goal for Lucie Staniek before the high press was rewarded in after the break when the same player doubled her side’s lead.

An opportunist strike from Kitty Brownell added a third for ‘Mere before Holly Glaister twice brought good saves from the Pendle goalkeeper.

Windermere men’s 1st XI were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Brooklands MU 3rd XI in Division Two West of the North League, despite captain Will Dolman adding two more goals to his tally.

Dolman struck from close range to give ‘Mere the lead, but their opponents from Manchester levelled by half-time before turning the game on its head early in the second half.

However, the hosts were able to raise the tempo again and earned a point when Dolman’s drag-flick from a short corner was deflected into the net of a Brooklands defender’s leg.

The men’s 2nd XI came agonisingly short against North West League Division Five North North leaders Southport 2nd XI, eventually losing 4-3, with their goals coming from Teddy Ferguson (2) and Jamie Hill.