Kendal Ladies Hockey Club remain in relegation trouble after suffering a 5-3 home defeat to University of Leeds.

The game, which was rearranged after the previous fixture was postponed due to the weather, saw two teams desperate for the points in their quest for survival.

Kendal had a depleted squad with Nicola Hartley going in goal for the first ever time, while the hosts continued to field a very young squad.

The home team started well and created early chances through Vicky Jones, and Katie Ireland, but Leeds opened the scoring after a well worked move was finished from close range by one of their attacking players.

Kendal equalised two minutes later after a quick break down the right hand side caught the visitors' defence off guard before a pass across the D was placed home by Jones.

In what was an open period of the game, Leeds regained the lead two minutes later with another good finish. Kendal battled back for a second time when Jones placed the ball into the net from close range.

Both teams created chances as the game was all square at half time. But Leeds had a ten minute spell at the start of the second half while Kendal toiled as the visitors scored three quick goals as Leeds eased into a 5-2 lead.

Kendal created opportunities through Melanie Whalley, and Libby Thwaites before Jones completed her hat trick after scoring a penalty.

But with little time left on the clock Leeds held out for the win. Kendal host Neston on Saturday.