IT has been a mixed season so far for Lytham St Annes Hockey Club.

While the Mens 1st XI has enjoyed reasonable success in the First Division of the Northern Counties League the lower XI's have struggled.

The 1st XI had to recover from losing two very experienced defenders in Rob Jackson and Steve Parkins, both whose jobs took them out of the area.

But with the welcome return of Simon Middlemas from university one of these problems appears to have been overcome, once he recovered from an early injury.

Richard McGee has reorganised the playing formula bringing back one of the veterans, Mark Lees, who never seems to tire, and the last few results have been encouraging.

Craig Nuttall has come up trumps up front and young Tom Atkinson gets stronger each season with both seemingly set to reach their full potential.

Dave Robbins and Craig Nuttall are equal with ten goals each and David Hans close behind.

It was great to see the two Davids helped Lancashire beat Cheshire 5-4 at Preston on Boxing Day.

Unfortunately the lower XIs have struggled. The 2nd XI were unlucky to lose their main striker, John Pearson, through injury and this had a dramatic effect on the success of the whole team.

It could be said this has affected the performance of the other teams, such is the influence this man has on the youngsters around him.

It must now be left to the captains to introduce something special in the second half of the season if the teams do not find themselves in a lower league next season.

One point of encouragement remains very prominent. There is so much very young talent in the teams currently playing a grade of hockey which is perhaps too high at the moment for their experience and strength.

In a year or so they should have no problem in bouncing back to regain the success of the club has known in the past. There does need to be official coaching lessons, however, organised for the youngsters.

The 2nd XI leading goal scorer is Doug Green with Rob Davis close behind, while David Nuttall leads the field in the 3rd XI. The 4th XI are spread evenly throughout the team, while Oliver Ashworth leads the 5th XI with six goals.

The 5th XI have struggled to arrange regular fixtures as as a lot of clubs don't have enough players for a 5th XI but the situation should improve thsi year.

The Badgers have not achieved good results but have played magnificently against teams made up of players older than them.