Ashbourne Ladies miss out on boost as they head into break
Trip to Derby ends in defeat
BECKY Handford gave Ashbourne Ladies an early lead away to Derby Ladies but they went on to be beaten 5-2 in Midlands Feeder East.
They were always likely to have their work cut out against a Derby team which has been beaten only once this season and the defeat dropped Ashbourne to third from bottom heading into the winter break.
After that early strike from Handford, Derby bounced back strongly with three quick-fire goals.
Ashbourne did not give up and their spirit was rewarded by a well-deserved goal from Sarah Walker before two late goals gave the home side a wider winning margin.
But their was plenty of consolation for Ashbourne in the performance of the whole team, especially youngsters Hope Whyman, Caitlin Latham-boal and Olivia Jefferies.
The league now closes down until February 2, when Ashbourne return to action with an away game against Newark Ladies.
ASHBOURNE Ladies’ development 3rd team are beginning to find their feet in Derbyshire Hockey League Division Three.
A side made up predominantly of juniors made it wins in two consecutive weeks with a 3-1 defeat of Buxton 2nds.
Lily Herd opened the scoring early on to give Ashbourne just the start they needed.
Arabella King netted the second following a rebound off the Buxton goalkeeper and though Izzy Wilson was unfortunate to see a goal disallowed, Bella Mills completed the scoring.
Denise Mills, who stepped in as goalkeeper, was beaten only once with player of the match Beth Schratz putting in a solid performance at centreback to keep Buxton at bay.
Ashbourne Ladies 2nds are still looking for their first win of the season in Derbyshire League Division One following a 2-0 defeat to Woodlands.