Hockey: Pickering’s double defeat on return to action (From Gazette & Herald)

Hockey: Pickering’s double defeat on return to action

12:31pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Sport

PICKERING ladies struggled to find their form in Yorkshire Women’s League division five after their long lay-off from training due to the weather and having only played two games in the last nine weeks.

They duly lost 2-0 to Thirsk on Saturday and to York University on Sunday having conceded home advantage due to an unplayable pitch.

Their slow start on Saturday allowed local rivals Thirsk the space to take a 2-0 lead in the first half. Play was more evenly matched after half-time with Pickering working well on the break but unable to find the net.

Some superb saves from player-of-the-match Lucy Ibbotson in her debut as goalkeeper kept Pickering in the game but the team were unable to make a comeback.

Pickering travelled to York University 24 hours later for a rearranged game.

The visitors defended well with player-of-the-match Leonie Ransome making some good blocks. However, the pace and skill of the student team was too much as they took a 1-0 half-time lead.

The hosts continued to dominate but Pickering put in a gutsy performance to raise their game and break down play. Sophie Gilderdale and Lisa Hornby worked tirelessly to find space up front but their few chances were saved by the goalkeeper and a well-struck rebound following a corner at the other end sealed York’s win.