Yorkshire Hockey Association Division Five North: Airedale Seconds 0 Harrogate Fifths 6

AIREDALE'S first match of 2017 proved frustrating as they were hit for six.

The teams looked evenly matched in the first half, though Harrogate opened the scoring and followed it up by taking advantage of a short corner to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Harrogate began the second half purposefully and soon scored a third. Airedale’s Georgia Ramshaw, Adele Haughey and Libby Marsh created a determined effort to pull something back.

Marsh had an opportunity on goal but was blocked by the Harrogate defence, Haughey found the rebound and took a swift shot only to hit the post.

Sam Fawcett and Katherine Bird worked solidly in midfield, trying to create chances for the Airedale attack. Katie Armitage made an inspired run up the right wing but, at full stretch, the ball ran ahead of her.

Further efforts on goal came from Bird, Alex Fryer and Niamh O’Reilly but to no avail. It was an agonising match for Airedale’s defenders who worked tirelessly to keep the tough Harrogate attack at bay. Claire White was kept on her toes in goal, while Kitty Blake and Becki Williams persevered in marking the opposition.

Georgina Mumby made her debut for Airedale, impressing with her quality tackling. Lindsay Carey orchestrated some crucial clearances and delivered accurate hit-outs.

Lesley Leach battled endlessly in defence and impressed with her impeccable clearances and sheer persistence, which earned her player of the match. Harrogate scored a fourth goal before being awarded a penalty flick. Goalkeeper White got a foot to the ball but it wasn’t enough to stop it crossing the line.

In the final minute, the visitors were given another short corner and they made the most of it to make it six.