HOCKEY: THE North Two West runners up last season arrived at Sir John Deane's expecting to take all three points, but newly promoted Winnington punished their over confidence.
Mid-way through the first half Park took the lead when Dennis Topping, attacking from the right hand side, beat two defenders as he fought his way into the circle before striking the ball into the bottom left hand corner.
Lytham equalised within a couple of minutes and went on to keep possession well, but without creating many chances.
Winnington did more with less. When they had the ball they used it effectively until a fortuitous deflection left the Lytham centre forward with an easy chance.
The away team then opted to play a containing game, but they almost came unstuck when Peter Evans burst through the defence into the circle, rounded the on-rushing goalkeeper, but sent his shot fractionally wide. Lytham failed to heed this warning and after a scrambled attempt to clear by the Lytham defenders, Evans swept the ball into the net to seal a well deserved draw.
Park 2nds were beaten by Knutsford 2nds 2-1 (John Lavin); Rick Jagielka scored a hat-trick as Park 3rds beat Triton 3rds 5-3, the other goals coming from Jan Jakubic and Johnny Kettle.
Saturday: 1st away v Northop Hall, 2nds home v Bebington 3rds (2.10pm), 3rds home v Knutsford.
Winnington Park Ladies 5 Macclesfield Ladies 2: Helen Jones was Park's three goal hero, exacting sweet revenge against a team whose victory in the final game last season denied Park promotion.
Karen Thwaites laid on all of Jones's goal and scored herself.
Winnington went two up and were pegged back before a Julie Dunn penalty gave them the edge at the break, after which they strode more confidently to victory.
Julie Rafferty was outstanding but Park 2nds went down 2-0 at Runcorn.
