Late goal ends ladies’ winning start

Prolific forward Megan Beard netted another two goals, but a late strike ended Newark Ladies' 1sts' 100% start to the season when they drew 2-2 at home to Birmingham University 2nds.

After a succession of penalty corners for both teams, Newark broke the deadlock from one on 27 minutes through Beard.

Within a minute Birmingham were level. The hosts thought they had been awarded a 16-yard hit, only for a corner to be given.

In the confusion the visitors scored through an unmarked defender.

Newark dominated the first 20 minutes of the second-half. Beard struck again on 42 minutes with a good finish at the end of a solo run.

Midfield duo Sarah Pask and Becky Warner showed great work-rate and Sarah Cubitt, Trish Trafford and Lucy Donaldson were all denied by the goalkeeper.

Five minutes from time Birmingham equalised from a penalty corner.

Second placed Newark travel to Shrewsbury on Saturday.

Newark Men’s 1sts lost 2-1 at home to

Nottingham Trent University in their first league game of the season.

Newark began brightly and forced misplaced passes from the opposition, before going two goals behind from a penalty corner and a drag-flick from another penalty corner.

Adam Holland and Sam Smith both had good shots saved for Newark, who went on to exert strong pressure in the second-half.

They found more space in the final third. Holland went close again and the University keeper made fine saves from penalty corners.

Smith weaved through several lunges to score, but Newark failed to find an equaliser.