Late equaliser denies Baileans victory against North Staffs

Matlock Baileans 1

Matlock Baileans suffered last-gasp heartache on Saturday as hosts North Staffs snatched a late leveller.

Matlock knew points were necessary and after fielding an early Staffs short corner soon began to get into the game.

Excellent work in midfield from captain Joanne Carson drove the team forward and as the visitors pressed hard, Sarah Archer was allowed to steal the ball in North Staffs D and slot it coolly home to score her 100th league goal for the club.

Matlock looked shaky after half-time but stood firm with excellent defending from Rachel Moor and dynamic runs up front from Nina Smedley.

A controversial decision from the umpire then saw North Staffs awarded a penalty stroke, which man of the match Alison Millyard watched sail past her left hand post.

Matlock continued to withstand pressure and as the game pursued it looked like they were to hold on to their win.

However, in the dying seconds, North Staffs drove positively into the D from a free hit and scored the equaliser.

Matlock face a tough game against Beeston this Saturday.

Matlock Baileans under-14s

Matlock’s U14 side recently travelled to Chester to take part in the England Hockey U14 Cup.

Facing a strong Chester side first, Matlock put in a good display but ultimately fell to a 2-0 defeat.

In their next game against Neston from The Wirral, Fran Cole was on target to put Matlock in front, but having lost influential player Holly Maycock to injury, they then conceded an equaliser and despite late pressure were unable to find a winner.

It had been an impressive weekend for a very young Matlock squad who will all be eligible to play in the same tournament next year.