STONECLOUGH'S hopes of a top three Division Two finish in their first season in the West Lancs League were put on hold a 3-2 defeat at Lytham St Annes.

Manager Peter Morris could hardly conceal his disappointment when he said, "Twice we battled back superbly from going a goal behind and then we go and shoot ourselves in the foot."

Starting the game yet again with three 17-year olds in the line-up, Brett Dean, Janusz Heenan and Tim Reece, Morris' side conceded after only three minutes, but Anthony Fisher soon levelled from close range.

Lytham were again in front before the break when Stoneclough's Phil Husband miscued his far post clearance and saw the ball finish in the roof of his own net.

Undeterred Morris' men pushed forward and once again squared matters up when Stuart Hayles put in a powerful header to Paul Davis, inviting cross.

The platform now seemed set to go on and win the game, but a long punt down the middle saw the home side get the goal which eventually proved to be the winner.

Inspired by man of the match midfielder Paul Mellor, Stoneclough dominated but failed to find that vital breakthrough. The Brook Street outfit now have three consecutive home games in which they will hope to catch up lost ground, starting next Saturday when they entertain Todmorden Borough.

Elsewhere Charnock Richard registered a 3-0 home victory over Fulwood Amateurs to take over at the top of the Premier Division table from Kirkham and Wesham the team they face in the final of this season's Lancashire FA Amateur Challenge Shield.