A LETHARGIC Neston South Wirral went down to a 4-2 defeat at Northop Hall.

The writing was on the wall as Northop were dubiously awarded a penalty stroke within the first 30 seconds of the game, but Rich Lowry dived low to his right to save.

This failed to galvanise a sluggish looking Neston team though, and Nick Critchley gave Northop the lead moments later.

Neston did hit back after 16 minutes, when Dan Khedun finished well from an Aled Jarvis pass.

Unfortunately, with Neston's defence looking uncharacteristically edgy, Critchley tapped in from close range to make it 2-1.

However, Neston did manage to get back on level terms before the break as Lawrence McNeight finished brilliantly after being put through by Rogier Van Der Ouderaa.

The Parkgate men made a terrible start after the interval as Northop struck immediately with Ed Jones deflecting the ball past Lowry from a clever set play.

This finally rallied the visiting side, and in a remarkable spell Neston laid siege to the Northop goal. Khedun, Jarvis and Rob Cookson were all culpable though, as Neston proceeded to miss several gilt-edged chances.

After Northop weathered the storm, Neston had Lowry to thank for keeping them in the game and he made a couple of fine saves from Dave Chacksfield.

It was to be in vain though, and Neil Worrall made it 4-2 with a sublime lob.

In the dying moments McNeight saw his effort hit the crossbar as Neston strived to fight back, but it was generally a bad day at the office for Neston.

This Saturday, Neston entertain the skilful Manchester team (1.30pm).

Elsewhere, there was cause for celebration as the ladies first team clinched promotion from Cheshire Division Two after Suzy Twist and Sarah Fearnley helped them to a 2-0 success at Crewe.