LYTHAM put in a good performance against a strong Rotherham side and started well with lots of possession.

Dave Robbins was a constant threat in his role up front.

Lytham have now lost Ben King -- who has flown back to Australia -- and Paul Hans -- who has work commitments -- and are now depending more and more on the services of the Lytham youngsters.

To their credit they have risen to the challenge and once again there were some strong performances from them.

Sam Ashworth put in his best performance of the season in a first half which saw him work well down the right with Chris Simcock.

He continued to be involved in many of the moves throughout the match and he is sure to mature into a fine player in coming seasons.

Graham Shaw showed his talent in the first half with some well timed runs and is starting to pick the ball up in dangerous positions. It is only a matter of time before he starts collecting some well earned goals. Stuart Waby at left back is proving himself in a difficult position and grows in skill and stamina with every game. Surprisingly, though, it was Dave Waby in his first league match for the first team who made a real difference when he went on with about 20 minutes to go. Lytham were a goal down and requiring some inspiration when Dave decided to take the game very high, which is exactly what was needed, and they were unlucky not to draw level after some good attacking play for a sustained period.

This was not a match for the spectators, but it proves that if Lytham are going to avoid a relegation fight they will surely have to rely on their youngsters who will be enjoying playing at this level at such a young age.