KENDAL worked hard to earn their first NW Men's League win of the season at home to Southport Thirds.

The visitors arrived short-handed and, having to forfeit a player to umpire, played with only ten men.

Kendal club skipper Ewan Galloway was unavailable, so vice Martin Boyd stepped up to lead the side.

His tactic was to make the most of the numerical advantage and pressurise Southport from the start.

It soon became apparent, however, that Southport captain and goalkeeper John Ayres, was at the top of his form.

Aided by his defence, he kept Kendal at bay for 20 minutes before a shot from Alex Palmer was cleverly deflected by Steve Barclay to open the scoring.

Kendal created countless scoring opportunities. Liam Derome had several shots saved and put too many over the bar. Ayres made superb saves to deny Rob Bradshaw, Alex Palmer and Gordon Blunt.

Allan Young also made a fine run down the right but shot into the side netting.

Shortly before half-time Barclay extended the lead to 2-0, firing home to complete a superb passing move.

To their credit Southport refused to lie down, contesting every ball and started the second half well.

With a full team, the story might well have been different.

Kendal were able to play with only three at the back and for much of the game Andy Blockley was a spectator.

Kendal brought on Phil Conlin to try his luck at the front when Barclay went off injured.

Conlin created a number of chances but could not get one past the "Ayres Rock".

Ayres' efforts were rewarded late in the game when Southport scored from a penalty corner.

With only one goal separating the teams and both fighting to get off the bottom of the table, tempers began to fray in a disappointing end to an otherwise proper contest Gordon Blunt was Kendal's man of the match, but the lasting memory will be Ayres' stunning performance in the Southport goal.

Windermere.................1 Preston 3rd..................1 WINDERMERE were left to rue a string of missed chances in an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Defender Andy Hartnett was yellow-carded for a technical foul but while he was in the sin-bin Windermere had Preston in all kinds of trouble. Steve Heyns hit the post and the ball was scrambled clear as Preston struggled to regain their shape.

But when Preston pushed up, Mike Hodgson found himself at the sharp end of a breakaway and he skillfully lifted the ball over the advancing Preston goalkeeper to fire his side ahead.

Windermere continued to press but often held on to the ball a fraction too long, allowing Preston to cover the danger and, almost inevitably, when they did win a short corner in the closing stages, they scored.

This result allowed Didsbury 3s to move top of North West Division Six on goal difference and the promotion battle now appears to be developing into a three-way tussle between Didsbury, Windermere and Preston.

The match ball and umpires were sponsored by The Lighthouse Restaurant, Windermere.

Tomorrow sees Windermere in action against Morecambe 2s at the St Martin's pitch in Lancaster. Pushback is at 2pm.