Hockey: Harrogate harm Lancaster's survival hopes

Lancaster began at a fast pace and attacked with gusto down both flanks earning a number of penalty corners.

Hayley Johns saw her close range effort saved by the Harrogate goalkeeper and Anya Briggs also saw her rebound saved.

Lancaster defended expertly and Harrogate did not manage one shot on target in the first half. It was Lancaster who kept surging forward and Harrogate had their keeper to thank for the score being level at half time.

In the second half Lancaster continued to press as Ali Standeven saw her shot saved and then she pulled the rebound shot wide of the post.

However, it was the same story for Lancaster; playing fantastic build up hockey but then falling short in the D.

Lancaster were made to rue their missed chances as Harrogate began to turn the screw and create their own chances.

Lancaster’s defence stood firm and kept them out but with only two minutes on the clock remaining Harrogate won a penalty corner.

Their first shot was blocked, but the ball fell kindly to a Harrogate player and the shot somehow squirmed over the line.

At the final whistle Lancaster were deflated but will need to pick themselves up and travel to Wakefield next week where three points will mean league survival.

*Lancaster 2s were beaten 5-1 at home to Pendle Forest 2s on Saturday while Lancaster 3s lost 3-1 at home to Garstang 2s.