SPEKE...4 HIGHFIELD UTD...3: "IT'S not the winning that matters, it's the taking part."

Try telling that to the Highfield management team who had to endure this match!

They travelled to Merseyside to take on a confident Speke in the quarter finals of the Lancashire Trophy.

From the start, Highfield looked a yard off the pace, even with the wind behind them, and they were a shadow of the team the took a 34 seconds lead last week.

With the swirling wind behind them Speke took control of the game and took a 15 minute lead due to hesitency in the Highfield back four.

Nevertheless the Bury side managed to claw themselves back thanks to a 17th minute strike from Tom Stubbs.

But more trouble was to follow with Skipper Jarrett picked up an injury just after Highfield levelled. He was replaced by fellow striker Clarke.

The home side regained their lead after 36 minutes when uncharacteristic defending allowed a free near post header.

But within three minutes Highfield drew level again. Stubbs direct running resulted in him being brought down in the penalty area. Lomax coolly converted the spot-kick.

At half time Highfield realised they had to step up the tempo if they were to be in the hat for the next round.

Speke made use of the wind on at least two occasions early in the second half.

But instead of ringing alarms bells in Highfield's back four they failed to heed the warnings.

Speke's keeper launched a kick from his hands and with Highfield's defenders desperately trying to scramble back to cover, a forward got his foot to the ball to guide it past the helpless keeper Campbell

Highfield again failed to give in, and in the 78th minute, a inswinging corner from Jackson found John Derby who headed home.

But with extra time looming, Highfield fell for the sucker punch when, following a free kick, a Speke forward headed home a winner.

The Gladwich Land Sales Man of the Match award went to striker Tom Stubbs.

Highfield return to league matters tomorrow when Breightmet United are the visitors to Seedfield, kick-off 2pm

Last Saturday's reserve game was postponed due to injuries and a flu bug.Tomorrow they travel to Heywood St James (2pm).

Both first and second team players should meet at Seedfield Sports Centre at 12.30pm.