Ladies win again as Beard stars

Newark Hockey Club ladies 1st XI continued their winning ways with an excellent 4-0 victory over the long-established Midlands hosts, Matlock Baileans.

The game got off to a scrappy start on a very slow pitch, with no team taking the upper hand. Both teams had chances but Matlock’s were snuffed out by the Newark defence, with player of the match Holly Powell in superb form.

It was Newark who broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when they suddenly upped their game, and a series of lightning passes ended with Emma Wilson deflecting the ball home.

Matlock were stunned, and Newark got another on the stroke of half-time through a Jemma Gough penalty corner.

Youngster Megan Beard added number three on 45 minutes with a solo run from halfway and rounded the keeper with ease.

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