Ambleside Ladies Hockey continued to impress with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Dalston on a cold evening at Kirkbie Kendal School.

The hosts went in to the last Cumbria League game before Christmas, eager to secure the three points as an early present.

In the opening exchanges both sides were evenly matched, with defences on top. As the first half progressed, the Ambleside midfield began to control more of the play, delivering some key passes through to the hard-working forwards who were thwarted by some good saves by the Dalston keeper. Ambleside continued to exert pressure until the breakthrough came when Donna Robinson broke through the stubborn Dalston defence and managed to convert her shot from the tightest of angles.

Dalston came back at the home team in the second half but were kept frustrated by an Ambleside defence which was well organised by Kim Lupton, with youngsters Jemma Knowles, Roisin Bagge and Megan Carradus impressing with their calm play against an experienced Dalston attack. Katie Sanders secured all three points for Ambleside mid-way through the second half, tucking away the rebound after another good save by the Dalston keeper.

The Greens will be happy with their performance, which brings them above Ulverston to 6th in the table and underlines how far the team have come since a difficult 2015/16 season. They will be keen to carry that confidence in to the New Year.