GOALS from Paul Lightfoot and Jamiey Ball allowed Lostock to beat Poynton 2-1 despite a below-par performance on Saturday.

The game was played in appalling conditions and Lostock's display deteriorated with the weather.

Lostock started brightly enough, outplaying Poynton for the first quarter with Lightfoot, Ball and Escott all going close.

In the 16th minute Lostock took a deserved lead. Tony Rogers' deep right wing cross was headed goalward by Martin Noden. The Poynton keeper parried the ball away but only as far as Lightfoot, who knocked in from six yards.

Failing to capitalise on this early breakthrough, Lostock allowed Poynton too much possession in midfield as both sides looked capable of scoring.

Just after the half-hour, Poynton winger Kendal received the ball in a seemingly offside position. Both teams stopped, anticipating a free-kick, but the referee waved play on and Kendal ran through to score.

Stern words at half-time gave Lostock a gee up, and within five minutes of the restart Birtles released Ball, who clinically slotted the ball past the keeper for what proved to be the winner.

Though not playing well, Lostock continued to exploit Poynton's defending. Efforts by Noden, Tony Rogers and Ball all went close but could not give Lostock the comfort zone they needed.

The introduction of all three substitutes failed to make a positive impact and Lostock seemed content merely to see out the game and wrap up a safe three points.

Lostock: Wyatt, Carter, Evans (Harrison), Politis, Noden, Birtles, T Rogers (K Rogers), Escott, Howman, Ball, Lightfoot (Kimber).

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