THE final game of Windermere Men’s 1s’ North League 2 West campaign ended in a narrow defeat as they went down 2-1 at already promoted Preston 2s.

A Tom Maloney penalty strike had put Mere ahead in the first half and Preston were forced to work hard to get back on terms as Mere battled every inch of the way in a hard fought encounter.

But two late field goals by Ambrose Hallett and David Thornton tipped the scales and ensured that Preston took all three points with the defeat meaning Windermere end the season in sixth place.

Mere’s Man of the Match was Tom Maloney.

Two late goals rescued a point for Windermere 2s in an entertaining NW League 5NN match against South Lakes 2s.

Kristian Devries fired South Lakes ahead and Fergus Jackson doubled their lead from a short corner as Mere continually surged forward, leaving themselves open at the back.

But Windermere were far from finished and after Jamie Hill clawed a goal back with a top D strike, a dramatic finish followed as Isaac Ravenhill levelled in the dying minutes.

Currently lying fourth, Mere can now finish no lower than fifth in the final NW 5 NN league table.