Weakened Newark team fall to emphatic defeat

One of the worst home defeats in recent seasons - 7-2 at home against Leicester Panthers 1sts - put Newark’s title hopes in the balance.

A weakened team struggled to contain their opponents, who took an early lead from a far-post tap-in.

John Reynolds levelled with a fiercely struck penalty corner.

Panthers used the ball effectively and dominated with three goals, including an effort that saw a forward go through to the D before hitting a fierce strike.

Newark had two players, Alex Davies and Benjie Groom, sin-binned at the start of the second-half for bad tackles and Steve Littlewood received a yellow card.

Panthers made their advantage count, scoring three more.

Littlewood got a consolation near the end from a penalty corner, but Panthers had the last word with the final goal.