Fylde Hockey Club headed into the weekend with three of their six teams in Championship contention at top of their respective leagues…
Ladies 1st XI
The Ladies 1st XI started the weekend four points clear of second-placed Leeds and faced fourth-placed Doncaster at UCLan. The girls took the lead after 11 minutes with a well-struck penalty corner by Rachel Greenwood. The advantage was doubled after 17 minutes when Sophia Crawshay dribbled past the keeper after a great aerial pass from Mollie Mason played her in. A third goal arrived on the stroke of half-time – another well-struck penalty from Greenwood.
The second half was a closely run affair and Doncaster pulled a goal back after 46 minutes but Fylde held on for a comfortable 3-1 victory.
The quest for a return to National League hockey was given an added boost when Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Whitley Bay & Tynemouth meaning the Fylde girls ended the weekend six points clear – boasting the best goal difference – with just two games to play.
Men’s 1st XI
A last-gasp strike for the Men’s 1st XI, who play in a lower equivalent league to the Ladies 1st XI, saw them crowned Divisional Champions. The side travelled to Southport Men’s and after a close game, a goal in the dying seconds clinched a 4-3 victory and league glory.
Ladies 2nd XI
The Ladies 2nd XI hosted local rivals Preston Ladies 2nd and enjoyed a resounding 6-0 victory. They are now two points ahead with just three games to play.