HOCKEY

Old Loughtonians 3
Maidstone 2
(SEHL Women’s Conference East)

OLD Loughtonians ladies secured their first three points of the season with a narrow victory over Maidstone on Sunday.

The Essex side started well, creating a couple of great chances in the first few minutes of play, until Maidstone quickly began to smother the speed and skills of the hosts.

And the visitors found themselves ahead, Lizzie Daniels finding the Loughts goal with a direct shot after gaining a corner from a three on one in the circle.

Loughts were finally able to put the ball into the back of the net in the second half, when Katie Richards crossed a perfect ball onto the stick of Becky Halle for a deflection into the goalmouth.

Just minutes later Maidstone were on their heels again and Ele Powell made no mistake in slotting home.

Halle then nutmegged the Maidstone keeper on a corner play from Miranda Weeks to give Loughts a commanding lead.

Maidstone's Cara Brogan set up some nervous few moments for Loughts with a late tap in, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

This weekend Old Loughtonians ladies travel to play Reading in a league match on Saturday, and host Bromley & Beckenham in a EH Cup round two tie on Sunday. Kick off is at 12.30pm.