The goalkeeper had earlier conceded a penalty, after catching an opponent, as Jason Fisher’s side went behind three times in a 3-3 draw.

The visitors took the lead on six minutes, catching out the Saints defence on the edge of the box.

Blake Webster returned fire in the 20th minute, turning with the ball on the corner of the Lakes box and drilling home, after good build-up play.

The sides went into the break on even terms.

“It was a positive chat,” Fisher said of his half-time talk.

“We felt we had matched them, and certainly weren’t out-skilled.

“I told the boys it hadn’t been our best half, but we went out and played better in the second.”

Wallis Lakes re-established the lead 10 minutes after the re-start, dispossessing the defence outside the box, running through and slotting home.

It took the hosts 15 minutes to reply – Evan Clarke running into the area from the left and angling a shot inside the far post.

Lyttle’s foul allowed Lakes to get in front for a third time.

“Jacob caught the player, but it could’ve gone either way,” Fisher said.

The coach threw on Troy Ward and Lachlan Galea to replace Toby O’Brien and Jordan Ryan late in the game.

It was Galea’s run from the halfway line into the box that earned the spot-kick, with the sub sandwiched en route to goal.

Lyttle made his way upfield and drove the ball to the keeper’s left to earn a point for the Saints.

“It was certainly the start we wanted,” Fisher said.

“Last year they belted us in the first game and I think they went away shocked.

“It shows how far the boys have come.

“We definitely look fitter.”

Saints will face Port United next, at Dixie Park, on Saturday, April 26.

Kevin Sinclair’s reserves were beaten 3-1 by Lakes, also 2013 grand finalists.

A player shortage meant Fisher had to pull on his boots for the first half.

“The scoreline didn’t reflect the game,” he said, “we missed a sitter to level and we frustrated Wallis Lakes.”

Sinclair was happy with the performance.

“It was the first game for a lot of our young players and it was a good team effort,” he said.

Saints Ladies beat Kempsey Hornets by a similar score and will be in action on Saturday.