Women’s Hockey round-up

Cannock negotiated a tough double header to stay top of National North this weekend.

They recovered from a disappointing first defeat of the campaign against Bradford on Saturday to thrash Aldridge in Sunday’s game – and recover their top spot.

Cannock put the Yorkshire side under pressure from the off but couldn’t convert their chances. And they were made to pay on 40 minutes when Amelia Smalley scored a breakaway goal. 

The second half saw Cannock applying pressure, but Bradford’s defence holding strong until full-time.

That was the first loss of the campaign for the league leaders but they made amends with a thumping 5-0 derby win against Aldridge the next day.

The teams were evenly matched for much of the opening but a breakaway from Cannock saw them win a penalty corner which Ellie Watton converted. 

Georgina Twigg doubled the scoreline through a well-executed short corner that put Cannock two up by half-time.

Claire Stewardson scored twice just after the break to extend their advantage – a brace that included an expertly taken one-on-one.

Aldridge mounted a late fightback but their resistance was ended when Lucia Patterson nipped in at the far post to score the fifth.

In the Feeder League West Lichfield kept up their 100 per cent start to the season with a 6-1 win over Worcester.

And in Midlands Two Stourport also remained unbeaten with a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury – while Bridgnorth’s struggles continue as they lost to Belper 3-0.

In Staffs Division One Bloxwich lost a two goal lead to crash to a 3-2 defeat against Uttoxeter.

Goals from Emily Bayliss and Hayley Worgan gave them a two goal advantage at half-time, but Uttoxeter hit back with three unanswered strikes in the second half.