Ladies’ situation beginning to look a forlorn one

Canterbury Ladies’ hopes of survival in the Investec Women’s League Premier Division were dented again on Saturday as they were beaten 6-2 by Buckingham. Bucks were ahead after just three minutes when Natasha James found the target via a deflection off a defender’s stick on the way in. The visitors levelled things up on 22 minutes through Tilly Tillings’ composed finish, before poor defending allowed Buckingham to restore their lead two minutes later courtesy of Madeleine Newlyn. A bouncing finish into the roof of the net then handed the hosts a 3-1 lead heading into halftime. Canterbury’s determined response shortly after the break was soon halted as Eloise Laity made it 4-1 with a fortunate effort that bounced over the goalkeeper. Agustina Alvarez pulled one back on 57 minutes, but once again Canterbury failed to build as they conceded a fifth one minute later from James again. Phoebe Richards wrapped up the win for Buckingham when she rounded the goalkeeper to convert her one-on-one opportunity. Canterbury remain bottom of the league on five points and with just four more games to play. The first is away to Surbiton on Saturday. n Canterbury ladies’ 2As lost 3-1 against Ashford 1sts to stay 10th in the East Women’s League Division 1S. Canterbury made the most of a short corner to go ahead early on before losing a player following an unfortunate yellow card. Ashford capitlalised on their numerical advantage to score two and give themselves the lead at half-time. Having produced an impressive attacking display in search of a second half equaliser, Canterbury then conceded a decisive third moments before the final whistle. The 3rds also slipped to defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Holcombe 2nds in Kent Division 1. Canterbury capped their strong start to the game with an early goal from a short corner, but were then pegged back when Holcombe converted from the same situation. The visitors piled on the pressure in the second half and took the lead five minutes from time after a controversial corner decision. A tight contest also saw Canterbury ladies’ 4ths play out a goalless draw with Holcombe 3rds in Division 2.