Hockey: Lancaster and Morecambe denied by late Newcastle goal

After a loss and a win in their opening two games the district side welcomed the early North Division One leaders and had the best of a goalless first half.

Lancaster & Morecambe - playing at the highest level in their 30 year history after four successive promotions – had the best of the early stages, putting the hosts under pressure.

However, both sides were guilty of squandering possession too cheaply, and neither side managed to take a firm grip of the game.

Alex Davidson had an excellent chance, however his shot flew wide of the post, as Lancaster & Morecambe looked the most likely to go in at the break in the ascendency.

Within a minute of the start of the second half, the hosts took the lead. Rob Cook went on a mazy solo run and found himself space to fire a powerful reverse-stick shot past the advancing goalkeeper.

Newcastle University had their chances, but found Andrew Crabtree and goalkeeper Mark Hutchinson in excellent form.

Lancaster & Morecambe had opportunities to extend their lead but could not find the clinical edge that saw them hit seven past Ben Rhydding.

And the narrow lead proved insufficient as the visitors managed to bundle in a scrappy goal with barely five minutes left on the clock.

Lancaster & Morecambe reacted well and pushed forward for an equaliser but Newcastle held firm to share the points.

Elsewhere, Lancaster & Morecambe’s Ladies 1sts started their Lancashire Central Women’s Hockey League Premier Division season with a 3-1 defeat at Leyland and Chorley Ladies.