First league win of season for Lancaster and Morecambe

LMHC were 2-1 winners over Chapeltown 1s in the North Men’s League Division One.

Alex Belshire scored two drag flicks as the hosts picked up a valuable three points to move themselves off the bottom of the table.

It was also a good day for the second team who made it two wins out of two in the North West Men’s League Division Five North North with a 3-1 win over Leyland and Chorley.

Goals from Ben Brookes and Ben Wrench from short corners and a wonderful far-post dive from Joe Till made sure of the victory.

The top of the table third team were without a game in the Division Six North North, returning after a two-week break at struggling Southport Men’s 3s this Saturday, November 5.

Elsewhere, Lancaster Hockey Club’s first team drew 1-1 at Garstang in a top of the table clash in the North Women’s Hockey League Division Two North West.

The visitors started on the front foot, Ali Standeven making a burst into the D and winning a penalty corner.

Garstang couldn’t deal with it and from the resulting free hit Nina Swarbrick found Hayley Johns who neatly turned her defender and fired the ball into the corner leaving the ‘keeper stranded.

The hosts hit back and despite some good defence from Heather Andrew and Chloe Ranson found an equaliser soon after.

The game was more of a midfield battle in the second half with strong tackles going in and cards shown.

Neither team could find the break they were looking for, Leighan Bleasdale making two superb saves in the final quarter to keep Garstang out with players of the match Ranson and Johns mopping up the loose balls.

At the other end Hannahlise Morris and Becca Airey made great bursts down the left looking for the strikers but just couldn’t find the vital touch as both sides had to settle for a point.

There was no action for the rest of the club’s sides, and LMHC’s ladies teams, as the Lancashire Central Women’s Hockey League had a week’s break.