LANCASTER'S away game blushes were spared when they finally ended their losing sequence away from home at Birkenhead.

Top scorer Jamie McIlquham hit home four times to give Lancaster a deserved 7-11 victory over the Merseysiders, Birkenhead in the Northern Counties League.

In a tight first quarter, Lancaster slogged hard but weak finishing prevented a decisive lead being built up - only a Tom Curwen goal separated the two sides at 3-2.

Birkenhead fought back during the second quarter to level the scores at 3-3 by half time and then stole the lead until two power blasters from McIlquham levelled matters.

Ryan Pinington, Andy Squires, Bowers and Curwen all made inroads into the Birkenhead defence as their superior swimming prowess proving useful.

Detko made a brief appearance in the third quarter but even his presence didn't prevent Birkenhead from scoring twice during the period. But Lancaster added to their own tally through Curwen, Bowers and Knowles whilst Joe Lawlor and Mark Squires just shot wide.

Birkenhead had a chance to level early in the fourth only for Andy Squires to block well and Zac Sly reacted quickly to retrieve the loose ball.

A breakaway goal from Neil Bowers made it 7-5 but Birkenhead replied within 15 seconds of the re-start.

Stephen Knowles scored for Lancaster from another counter attack and in an entertaining final quarter McIlquham continued his scoring form with a powerful shot from the left.

Youngster Glen Townson also made his presence felt in the centre forward position and his strong play led to Lancaster's tenth - and then with just 40 seconds left on the clock McIlquham netted his fourth and the final goal of the game to seal victory.

With Chris Hartley still recovering from a groin strain, Neil Bowers joined the side as a warm up for his impending appearance for the England squad at a tournament in Switzerland this weekend (June 28).

Lancaster's next home senior match at Salt Ayre starts at 9pm on Tuesday when they seek to avenge away defeats against Manchester in the Northern Counties League.

The squad is: Z Sly, J. McIlquham (4), G Townson, N Bowers (2), J Lawlor, R Pinington, M Squires, T Curwen (4), A Squires, S Knowles (1), R Detko.