Winnington 5 - Kendal 4...

THIRD-placed Kendal travelled to Northwich to face second-placed Winnington in the North West Feeder League on Saturday.

And the sides' close proximity in the table was reflected in the scoreline - a 5-4 defeat for the visitors.

Despite the foggy conditions, the game went ahead and it turned out to be another demanding fixture for the Kendal party.

Kendal dominated in the first 15 minutes and succeeded in going 2-0 up with goals from Vicky Jones and Kirsty Ormrod after enjoying by far the majority of the possession and looking in control.

Winnington responded with some aggressive marking aimed at blotting out Kendal's influence on the game.

As the balance turned, several balls played from the back by the hosts produced one-on-ones with the Kendal keeper Holly Price, who made some good saves.

Defenders Morris and Hartley worked hard, too, but the Winnington pressure continued and they scored twice in succession to level the scores.

Then Winnington were awarded a short corner on the half-time whistle and converted it for a 3-2 lead at the interval.

The foggy weather did not improve and visibility was affected, but Kendal showed great determination and with Sarah Brooks equalised with a super goal.

Once again Kendal were marked out of the game at times, with little attacking done by either team.

Despite some good breaks, Winnington's tactics of hitting the ball through to the solo forward player paid off for them with another two quick goals in succession to put the visitors on the back foot with a 5-3 deficit.

Teamwork and experience kept Kendal in contention into the last 10 minutes and they had some excellent chances.

Jones netted her second to take her side closer to the draw for which they would have settled and the team dug deep, but they were denied as Winnington held out for a narrow victory.

There were solid performances from Kendal's Jo Elleray and captain Nicola Martindale in mid-field.

n KIRKBY Stephens' North West Feeders League match at Deeside had to be called off because of fog, but they remain fifth in the table Carlisle 2 - Ulverston 1...

A GOAL close to the end consigned Ulverston to a 2-1 defeat after a bold showing in their Cumbria League away match at Carlisle on Sunday.

Despite the disadvantage of playing on away turf, Ulverston earned an early free hit. After Natalie Gill's initial shot on goal, skipper Lynn Fitzwilliam got the final finishing touch to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Ulverston tried hard to get an all-important second goal, but an injury to Carolyn Metcalfe weakened the away side's defence.

Carlisle turned up the heat in the second half and equalised. With time ticking away, both sides produced their best hockey as they probed for a winning goal.

In the end it was Carlisle who made the breakthrough in the dying minutes for a 2-1 win.

Carlisle defender Zoe Hurst was outstanding, halting several dangerous-looking Ulverston attacks.

Ulverston's junior player award went to Natalie Gill, with Vicky Weeks taking the senior award.

Ulverston 2nd 3 - Kirkby Lonsdale 1 ...

ULVERSTON'S Netherwood League fixture at home to Kirkby Lonsdale brought them a 3-1 victory.

Portia Hebbert converted Emma Johnson's cross to open the Ulverston account and the same combination struck again for a second time.

Kirkby stepped up a gear but Ulverston responded with a third goal from Claire Grace to cap a fine first-half display.

Although Kirkby pulled a goal back from a free hit in the second half, they could not make further progress to alter the scoreline.