TYNEDALE Ladies lost their first league game since early October as they were edged out in a tight top-of-the-table tussle with Newcastle III.

After a goalless first half, two quickfire goals earned Newcastle the all-important points despite a strong fight back from Tyne.

In wet and cold conditions, a full-strength Tynedale produced some of their best hockey of the season in the opening half as they moved the ball with slick precision, and showed great team unity.

They were solid defensively too with Amy Keirl, Sarah Martindale and Kay Brown alert at the back, and goalkeeper Nicky Baguley making a number of excellent saves to keep it goalless at the break.

With their midfield and forwards working hard too, they suffered a setback when Newcastle opened the scoring early in the second half.

A further blow was around the corner when Newcastle go their second, despite the best efforts of a determined home defence.

Opportunities fell for Tynedale but Sophie Mitchell, Becca Glaister and player of the match Annie Anderson were unable to convert.

The hosts did reduce arrears as a result of a free hit being taken swiftly by Sue Crawford, her run around the circle ending as she slipped the ball to Gemma Stephenson to weave into the circle and slot the ball past the goalkeeper.