Nelson club show determination but want wins to climb table

Pendle Forest Hockey Club produced a hard-working and disciplined performance to earn a 1-1 home draw with Leeds, writes DANIEL HATTON

The visitors arrived in second place in England Hockey division one north but Pendle looked the stronger side in the opening quarter.

They went close after three minutes, when Charlotte Hartley's shot was saved after an excellent run and one-two with Lisa Crewe.

After Pendle dominated much of the first quarter, keeper Laura Kendall was called into action in the second to save a dangerous reverse-stick effort.

The hosts continued to create opportunities, though Amelia Hatton couldn't apply a decisive touch to Freya Bythell's aerial ball.

Pendle's excellent defending frustrated Leeds, who had a player carded for persistent fouls as half-time arrived without a breakthrough.

The athletic Liv Bythell turned defence into attack repeatedly for Pendle in the third quarter as Crewe fired narrowly wide after intercepting and Leeds had a goal disallowed.

Pendle broke the deadlock midway through this quarter, Freya Bythell driving through the defence before delivering a perfect pass for Hatton to finish confidently.

They went close to doubling their lead when Hartley's effort drifted wide but Leeds equalised from close range, Kendall having kicked the initial shot clear.

Pendle pushed for a winner in the final quarter, with the relentless Freya Bythell a constant threat

Jan Cormack and Deb Bythell were organised at the back to keep Leeds at bay as it ended all square.

Leeds dropped below Beeston into third, while Pendle continue to seek their second win of the season as they head to Bristol on Saturday to face leaders Clifton Robinsons.

Evie Walne was player of the match for the second successive week for Pendle Forest 2, who lost 3-0 away to the Lytham St Annes first team in North West two north.

Both teams entered the match with two wins out of six but it was LSA who took the points, scoring twice in the first half.

Pendle 2 welcome second-placed Garstang 1 to Pendle Vale this Saturday (11.30am).

Pendle 3 were good value for their 3-2 win away to a strong Windermere 1 in NW four north (central).

They were on the back-foot in the early stages but Claire Birkett found space to score first against the run of play.

The goal boosted Pendle's confidence and player of the match Freya Sugden doubled the lead with a superb finish.

Matilda Oyston's driving runs at pace caused Windermere problems throughout and although the hosts pulled one back, she added the crucial third goal.

Windermere scored a second to set up a tense finish but Pendle dug deep.

Their resilience was rewarded with three points which leave them third, behind Garstang 2 on goal difference, ahead of Saturday's home game against fourth-placed Chorley Phoenix 2 (1.15).