YORK, top of the league and unbeaten in their previous eleven games, were always going to be tough opposition for Lytham who were looking for something to kick-start their season into action.

Lytham started promisingly, with Peter Dodd linking well with Ben King down the right. The Australian ripped through York's left-sided midfield, carrying the ball from the half way line into the area, to unleash an unstoppable shot beyond the bewildered keeper.

Five minutes later it was York's turn and, with some skilful play from their right winger, they opened the Lytham defence for the shot to fly past Dafydd Jones in goal who was unlucky not to save.

Lytham picked themselves up and drove forward, this time with Dave Robbins powering down the left wing. He cut inside, disposing of two York defenders, to pass to the tireless Chris Kay who had made 50 yards to pass the ball into the York goal. This wasn't enough for Lytham as they pressed even further. Craig Nuttall, with strength and skill, managed to get a good shot at the York goal only for it to be stopped on the line by a foot. The resulting penalty flick was neatly put away by Dave Robbins.

York, playing very much a counter-attacking game, then used some space on the right to penetrate into the Lytham area. The first shot was well saved by Dafydd Jones, but he could do nothing to stop the rebound.

Lytham responded once again when Craig Nuttall put Lytham two goals ahead with a clinical finish after a skilful dribble down the middle.

York were not finished, though, and they managed to sneak a goal from a well-worked set play just outside the Lytham area before the half time whistle.

The second half saw Lytham having long periods of possession and playing the better hockey. They were rewarded midway through the half after some great work down the middle from Chris Kay and Dave Robbins with a neat pass for Tom Atkinson to net the fifth goal. Lytham have been in similar situations before -- a two-goal lead with 15 minutes to go -- and to their credit they looked the better side for much of that time. They were focussed and passionate about keeping their lead. But with only two minutes to go, they allowed York too much space and once again the Lytham keeper could do nothing about the unchallenged shot that flew into the net.

York then saw an opportunity to level as they were awarded a free-hit just outside the Lytham area, and a hard hit ball was latched on to to make it 5 - 5.

Lytham continued trying to regain the lead in the dying minute and were unlucky not to take all three points as the ball was cleared off the line.

It was a fine performance from Lytham which means they are now five points off the second place promotion spot, with everything to play for going into the second part of the season.

The LSA Second XI beat Holmes Chapel Seconds 2-0 with Guy Emmett scoring both goals.

Lytham Ladies 1st XI 2 Garstang 1st XI 0

IN another solid performance by Lytham, the first half was very even with both teams having chances which they failed to convert.

Just before the interval Lytham were awarded a penalty corner and from a well-worked set piece Gillie Cooper scored from Heidi Whitehead's perfectly-timed pass.

The second half saw Lytham on the attack for most of the time during which Lian Atkinson scored the second goal. Kelly Gore was impressive in midfield while Gill Harrison's skilful and attacking game worried Garstang's defence throughout the match.

The Ladies Second XI drew 1-1 at home to Rossall Ladies First XI, with Jenny Leng getting Lytham's goal.