Fylde Hockey Club round-up: Penalty corners prove decisive in defeat
Fylde Hockey Club’s ladies’ first team lost 2-0 at newly-promoted Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 1 in the Women’s Conference North.
Facing a well organised and physical team, Fylde had most of the possession but struggled to do anything with it.
A penalty corner gave their opponents the lead by half-time, after which Fylde won several set pieces but without finding the goal they sought.
The hosts then broke away and made it 2-0 thanks to another penalty corner with eight minutes left.
Fylde hope to be more clinical in this weekend’s first home game of the season against Newcastle University.
Fylde 2 were 4-0 winners against Carlisle 1 as they met in North West Women’s Division One.
Although Fylde initially didn’t have a keeper, they were 2-0 ahead after five minutes thanks to Chelsea Atkinson and Megan Wildish.
The second half saw Wildish find the goal from a tight angle before Ruby Cosgrove completed the scoring.
In North West Women’s Division Two North, an 8-0 loss to Southport 1 did not reflect the Fylde 3 players’ efforts.
There were four goals in each half despite multiple saves from Alice Bishop, while the young Fylde attackers were thwarted by experienced opposition.
Fylde 4 lost 1-0 to Pendle Forest 2 in North West Women’s Division Three North (Central).
The game began with Fylde controlling the early stages of play, pressing high and creating chances but struggling to break down the opposition defence.
Pendle Forest eventually broke the deadlock in the second half despite the best efforts of Fylde keeper Emily Byers, who was the standout player.
A lack of players meant Fylde 5 had to concede their North West Women’s Division Four North (Central) match with Garstang 4, giving them a 5-0 walkover.
There was, however, a 6-1 win for Fylde 6 Development against Lancaster Nomads 2 in North West Women’s Division Five North (Central).
Five players made their debuts as goals from Leah Richmond (2), Aimee Jennings (2), Niamh Smith and Julie Knowles secured victory.
Finally, Fylde’s men also had a 5-0 walkover as a lack of players meant Kirkby Lonsdale 2 conceded their North West Men’s Division Four North match.