Pendle Forest beaten by Beeston as hockey leagues resume
But second and third teams enjoy victories at home
Pendle Forest Hockey Club resumed their Division One North season with a 5-3 home defeat by Beeston, having led twice in the first half, writes DANIEL HATTON.
READ MORE: Forest seconds show improvement
Forest played with intent from the start, creating chances through quick ball movement and excellent aerial passes.
As the forwards pressed well, centre forward Charlotte Hartley shot wide and Beeston's keeper saved Amelia Hatton's shot following an excellent pass by Liv Bythell.
The breakthrough arrived midway through the first quarter, when Izzy Tuck made superb tackle and released Erin Scott. She in turn found Hartley, who slipped the ball past the advancing keeper.
Despite Pendle's dominance, Beeston equalised from a short corner and the teams entered the first break level at 1-1.
Beeston grew into the game and Forest keeper Laura Kendall had to make several saves as her side defended tirelessly.
Forest regained the lead when Hatton released Hartley, whose deflected shot looped into the net for her second goal.
The visitors responded well and equalised clinically from a swift attack to make it 2-2 at half-time.
Pendle started the third quarter brightly but Beeston gained the upper hand and took the lead from a penalty corner.
And despite a superb double save from Kendall, more Beeston pressure resulted in them making it 4-2 with a penalty flick.
Forest refused to give in and pulled one back with a minute of the quarter remaining. Beeston's keeper could only parry a brilliant reverse-stick effort from Hartley and Scott tapped home the rebound.
Forest pushed for an equaliser in the final quarter as Lisa Crewe's shot was saved after an excellent solo run by Hannah Metcalf.
However, Beeston restored their two-goal cushion from a penalty corner and held firm for victory, though Crewe went close after a strong run into the circle.
The result leaves Beeston third, while Forest slip into the bottom two ahead of another home game against second-placed Leeds on Saturday (11.30am).
Pendle Forest 2 and 3 both won at home on their return to North West league action
Forest 2 beat Penrith 1 3-1 for their second victory in division two north.
Cathy Kilgallon scored the only goal of the first half with a brilliant strike from a penalty corner.
Forest kept the pressure on after the break as Karen Wignall doubled the lead before player of the match Evie Walne made it 3-0, deflecting in another powerful strike from Kilgallon.
Penrith pulled one back from a penalty corner but Forest were worthy winners ahead of Saturday's visit to Lytham St Annes 1 (11.30).
Forest 3 were 2-1 winners over Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 3 in four north central.
Both sides had first-half chances and Matilda Oyston scored the only goal after 15 minutes.
Forest continued to play positively in the second half, doubling their lead through Clare Bramley before CBN pulled one back.
Debutant Emily Johnson was player of the match for fourth-placed Forest, who visit Windermere 1 this weekend (11am).