Promotion hopes suffer a setback
Newark Ladies' 1sts' promotion hopes took a hit as they lost 3-0 to in-form Solihull, leaving them mid-table in Midlands Division Two.
The first-half was very even with chances created at both ends, but, it was Solihull who took the lead right on half-time. The ball struck a Newark defender’s foot in the D as the whistle blew for the break, but the penalty corner had to be taken, and a well-struck shot was deflected past keeper Molly Usborne.
Newark created a trio of chances, with a Megan Beard shot whistling over the crossbar, while Katie McMunn and Sarah Pask both had efforts saved.
Penalty corner strikes on 55 and 57 minutes sealed the three points for Solihull.
To their credit Newark responded well in the last 13 minutes and pressed their hosts into their own 23, but without reward.
Newark Men’s 1sts 7
Kettering Men’s 1sts 2
New signing Adam Holland scored a hat-trick for Newark as they swept aside Kettering to win their third consecutive game in the East Midlands 2.
Newark started with more intent and purpose than their opponents and were rewarded with two quick goals from Holland and skipper Ben Brown.
Kettering were unable to deal with Newark’s fast and skilful passing, which resulted in two more goals.
Sam Smith scored a fine solo effort from the middle of the circle and Holland rounded the keeper from a long pass and finished calmly.
Kettering’s only sight of goal was a converted penalty corner which found its way past goalkeeper James Wakeland’s despairing lunge.
In the second-half, excellent interplay between Josh Dixon and Scott Robinson resulted in Harry Beedham flicking past the keeper and into the far side of the goal.
Another goal soon followed when Sam Smith was on hand to hit home the rebound from a Rob Logan effort.
Holland completed his hat-trick when he picked up the ball by the far post and reverse-flicked into the goal.
Kettering netted a consolation with another penalty corner on the final whistle.
Newark Ladies 2nds 1
Worksop Ladies 1sts 1
Hollie Smallwood’s gutsy goal earned Newark a point in a hard-fought game against second-placed Worksop.
The visitors created clearer chances but found Newark keeper Alex Wadeson in outstanding form as she made excellent saves.
The games’ two goals came within ten minutes of each other in the first-half. Worksop drew first blood as a loose ball found an attacker well-positioned to slot home.
Newark equalised when Sue Tate crossed for Smallwood to beat the goalkeeper on the reverse stick while tumbling to the floor.
It was end-to-end in the second-half as both teams searched for a winner, but neither side could make the breakthrough.
Nuneaton 3
Newark Men’s 2nds 3
Newark twice gave away the lead as they drew an entertaining match.
Nick Southall gave Newark the lead from close-range after good work from Steve Littlewood.
Nuneaton hit back with two goals to go in front. The first came after Tom Shaw saved a shot but couldn’t stop the rebound and the second was a first-time hit from a short corner.
However, the teams went into half-time on equal footing thanks to a Simon Higgs strike.
Newark took the lead for a second time when Southall, in a one-on-one with Nuneaton’s keeper, slipped the ball through the goalie’s legs.
Higgs saw an effort well saved by the keeper before Rob Oakley was sin-binned, and Nuneaton capitalised on their numerical advantage to score from a short corner.
Beeston Ladies 5ths 1
Newark Ladies 3rds 1
Vicky McMunn’s goal earned Newark their third successive draw.
McMunn scored after a great solo run to give Newark a half-time lead.
The visitors were unable to keep their tempo up in the second-half as Newark legs tired, and Beeston scored from a short corner late on.
Newark Men’s 3rds 2
Kettering Men’s 3rds 1
Sam Foskett and Andy McMunn ensured Newark ended their autumn fixtures on a high.
Foskett was put through by Ivan Hufton, and the youngster beat a defender before finding the bottom right corner of the net.
Kettering equalised early in the second-half, but after waves of Newark pressure, the hosts got the breakthrough when McMunn hit home from a short corner.
Junior hockey
Newark under-12 girls began their season with impressive performances in a four-team tournament in Nottingham.
Playing against teams of players aged up to 15 and some boys, Newark finished with one goal-less draw and two narrow defeats.
After being beaten by West Bridgford under-14 girls and Nottingham Players under-13 boys, they played excellently to contain their opponents and hold out for an impressive draw.
