Ladies are undone by Derby

Newark Hockey Club ladies’ 1st XI embarked on their new Midlands League campaign on Saturday with an away tie at Long Eaton versus Derby Asterdale.

Derby have experienced two seasons at Midlands League level, whereas Newark are the “new kids on the block” following their promotion from the Notts Premier League, and the home side duly won 3-1.

Newark started the brighter team with both Emma Sanders and Emma Wilson going close, but it was Derby who took the lead on seven minutes after Sarah Gray saved a penalty corner strike, but a Derby striker was first to react, netting the rebound.

Newark levelled on 17 minutes, when a trademark penalty corner strike from Jemma Gough was deflected home by Nicola Jenner.

Disaster struck on 21 minutes, when Newark’s star striker Wilson had to leave the pitch with blurred vision following a collision with a defender.

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