Last-minute goal finishes superb match

9:25am Wednesday 3rd December 2008

KIRKBY Stephen Ladies Hockey Club faced local rivals Kendal, who have started the season admirably and are currently unbeaten in the North Women’s West 2, having dropped only two points.

Both teams got off to an edgy start, but it was visitors Kirkby who applied the initial pressure, forcing Kendal deep into their own half.

As the teams found their stride, however, the game opened up and became a superb match for the many spectators.

Some thrilling end-to-end hockey culminated in Kirkby netting from a penalty corner, but the goal was rightly disallowed as the original stroke was of an illegal height.

Still goalless at half time, neither team could dominate although Kendal had the majority of the possession Kirkby looked threatening on the break and looked set to take the lead when Kendal keeper Holly Price superbly saved Mel Earl’s effort.

Kirkby Stephen defender Lou Barr played a vital role throughout, clearing numerous efforts off the goal-line, while Litini Newcombe and Jenny Sayer also played well in defence. Just as the match seemed to be heading to a goalless draw, up stepped Kendal’s Vicky Jones. Despite the Kirkby defender Vicky Potter giving her very little room and next to no time, Jones found a small gap admirably to drill home a superbly finished winning goal.

As time ran out, Kendal retained possession extremely well and Kirkby simply could not get back in the game.