MAKING it five from five in the process, Tynedale Hockey Ladies kept up their great form as they came out on top of the table battle with North Shields.

Tynedale remain top of the pile in the Northumberland B League after the hard fought 2-0 victory, setting them up nicely for Saturday’s battle with another title contender Alnwick II.

They started the game brightly with Sophie Darling and Iona Mills linking well down the right, creating a number of chances which just went begging.

North Shields had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping them in the game, pulling off a number of excellent saves to frustrate Tynedale.

They finally found the breakthrough midway through the first half courtesy of a fantastic undercut shot from Becca Glaister, the finish already a contender for the team’s goal of the season.

Shields cranked up the pressure after the break and showed more attacking intent, forcing Tyne to dig in deep in defence.

And they excelled at the back, the hard working Katy Brown and Eleanor Pearson working well with Amy Keirl holding up the left side to good effect.

Nicky Baguley, in goal, made a number of crucial saves to prevent an equaliser as Shields refused to relent.

Having soaked up all the pressure, Tynedale extended their lead with Becca again finding the back of the net.

Alison Westworth and Esme Gallagher got the move started in the centre of the pitch and sent in Becca, who pushed the ball into the goal with left winger Iona Hextall arriving just to make sure the ball crossed the line.

The double from Becca earned her the player of the match award from her teammates, with Esme voted the star player by the opposition.

The victory sees Tynedale sitting pretty with a healthy advantage over second placed Alnwick, albeit having played three games extra, with a positive goal difference of 20 with 22 scored and only two conceded.