Bay stick in against league leaders but suffer a narrow defeat

WHITLEY Bay HC senior ladies’ team was edged out 2-1 by top-of-the league Pendle Forest.

With Pendle’s performances this season being nothing short of excellent it was always going to be a tough job for the Bay – but they proved up for the challenge.

Early in the first half, a cross from Jess Metcalfe led to a deflection which should have resulted in a goal.

However, with the ball hitting the defender’s foot, a penalty flick was awarded which Emma Davie unfortunately did not convert.

Against the run of play, Pendle broke Bay’s defensive line and through great individual skill slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

In the second half Whitley did not lose hope and, following a spell of pressure and a short corner, Sophia Ward found the back of the net with a reverse-stick flick.

At 1-1 Whitley were desperate to keep Pendle from gaining momentum and with hard work and determination marked their key players out the game.

However, again through a counterattack, Pendle were awarded a flick following the ball hitting a Bay defender on the line.

This was quickly converted by the Pendle striker to seal the victory. ■■BAY’S senior men’s team lost 4-1 to Oxton.

However, the seconds triumphed 8-3 against Newcastle Unversity and remain top of their league by two points.

The thirds defeated Richmond 4-1 while the ladies’ second string were 4-1 victors against Alnwick and the third lost 3-0 to Newcastle.