Old Loughtonians W1s 3 Cambridge City W2s 2
Old Loughtonians Women’s 1s stayed level on points with Cambridge University at the top of East Area Premier Division after a late winner gave them a vital win over Cambridge City W2s at Luxborough Lane.
The first half saw both teams playing some attractive passing hockey but without troubling the defences in the early stages. Cambridge City finally broke the deadlock with an excellent run from their own half and a fine finish on 22 minutes.
Old Loughts galvanised themselves for a second half fight back and within a minute Tash Patient and India Blake combined superbly to leave Emily Holmes making sure the ball crossed the line from close range. Loughts were then in the ascendancy and with 10 minutes remaining a driven ball into the D from Beth Macgregor was expertly deflected home by Chantelle Fernandes.
However the lead only lasted 4 minutes as Cambridge levelled following a penalty corner and long corner in quick succession. Loughts then showed the resilience that has been a characteristic of the team this season and a sparkling run and pass from Tash Patient was smashed home by India Blake to restore Loughts lead with 4 minutes remaining. There was still time for Annie Wade-Jones to make another fine save from a City penalty corner to secure the victory.
The fixture is reversed next week as Loughts will do battle in Cambridge in what is sure to be another entertaining encounter.