Sutton Coldfield 1
Old Loughtonians 5
(England Hockey Premier Division)

OLD Loughtonians Ladies got off to a flying start against the struggling Midlanders.

Louise Jukes opened the scoring with a superb individual effort and Miranda Weeks left the hosts stunned when her first-time shot gave the Chigwell side an early 2-0 lead.

The Loughts midfield produced some excellent play with Clare Appleton and French international Emilie Bellet creating attacks, and Katie Bradley pounced on a quickly-taken free hit to make it 3-0.

The second half was more scrappy as Sutton fought back, but it was to no avail as Jukes flicked home Loughts' fourth goal.

Great Britain legend Jane Sixsmith roofed a loose ball in the Loughts circle to temporarily inspire the Birmingham side and Sutton were then awarded a penalty stroke, but Loughts' keeper Natalie Goodhill prevented Sixsmith from doubling the score.

The visitors stretched their lead when Emily Reynolds slotted home a penalty for the ladies' second sucessive victory, as they go equal fifth in the league. They entertain lowly Doncaster on Saturday.

Meanwhile Old Loughtonians men lost 2-1 at Brookland MU, despite taking a 1-0 lead into half-time.

Loughs asserted their dominance in the first period and Glen Webster narrowly missed a short corner early on, before the ball fell for Alan Meredith to finish from ten-yards.

Liam Doidge was denied his first senior goal for the club by an excellent save. Brooklands started the second half with more intensity, sitting back and playing counter-attack hockey.

Ex-England international, and hosts coach, Jon Bell got the equaliser on his reverse and Brookland gained confidence in their attacks.

Their second goal came when a tame short corner flick was misjudged by Loughts keeper Stuart Hendy and the ball rolled under him and into the goal.

Old Loughtonians take on Cannock in the fourth round of the English Hockey Cup at home on Sunday.