WESTMORLAND under 18s fell to a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Lancashire under 18s in the Association of Northern Counties encounter played at Kendal Town Football Club.

Jacob Matthews opened the scoring for Westmorland during the first half, before second half goals by Sope Awe and Louis Barrow edged the visitors in front.

Westmorland equalised through Jack Brench, before an 85th minute strike by Nathan Strong gave Lancashire the victory.

Westmorland made a positive start with Matthews and Brench causing problems for the visitors' defence.

Lancashire created their first opportunity after six minutes when Awe headed the ball over from a deep cross by Conor Smith.

But Westmorland opened the scoring in the 9th minute as Matthews scored from close range. Matthews picked up the rebound from Branch’s free kick before placing the ball into the net.

From that point, Westmorland played some good football, while Josh Casson drilled the ball wide after going clean through on goal.

Lancashire began to create opportunities through Conor Lucas who headed over from close range before Ryan Moore forced David Seaton into action.

The visitors pressed Westmorland at the start of the second half and were unlucky not to equalise after Awe curled the ball wide of the left hand post.

Despite Lancashire’s dominance, Westmorland created a glorious opportunity of their to double their lead as Brench forced a one handed save out of the Lancashire keeper.

Lancashire equalised midway through the second half when Awe cut inside and drilled the ball into the top left hand corner of the net.

The visitors, who had all the momentum, edged in front five minutes later when Burrow finished from close range.

Westmorland responded and equalised against the run of play when Brench capitalised on a mistake by the Lancashire keeper.

But Lancashire picked up the win with five minutes to go when Strong found time and space in the penalty area before sliding the ball into the net.