WINDERMERE Men's Hockey Club are two points clear at the top of North West Div 5 North thanks to 4-3 victory at Formby on Saturday.

Previous leaders Preston 3s lost at home to third-placed Morecambe 2s, who are Mere's next opponents at the St Martin's College pitch in Lancaster on Saturday.

Formby took an early lead on Merseyside but Mere equalised through Harry Jackson - using a well-worked penalty corner routine - and Dan Prentice added the finishing touch to a crisp passing move to fire them ahead.

Scott Santamera increased Mere's lead with a back post strike, but former international Phil Capper inspired a Formby revival with a penalty corner goal and the home side actually drew level before Mere picked up their game again. Will Dolman restored Mere's lead with a penalty corner drag flick and they then played keep-ball until the final whistle.

Dennis Jackson did a great job containing Capper, Jordi Field excelled in defence and youngsters Tom Maloney and Louis Musetti also did well.

* Ulverston beat Windermere 2s 1-0 in their development league game at Ulverston on Sunday despite the Lakes side dominating much of the game.