TYNEDALE remain in fourth place in the Northumberland A Hockey League despite a disappointing 4-2 home defeat against Newcastle side Medics.

They got off to a good start against a strong Medics side, but were unable to build on their early lead which came courtesy of Annie Anderson.

The game was played at quite a pace, in glorious weather conditions for February, as Tynedale looked to put pressure on the teams above them in the league.

A good spell of passing led to Sue Crawford picking up the ball wide left, and her swift distribution forward to Anderson allowed the latter to weave her way through the Medics defence and into the circle, before finishing neatly to open the scoring.

The visitors soon equalised as a penalty flick was awarded when the ball struck a Tynedale defender on the goal line.

Either side of half time, Medics scored three goals to lead 4-1, as their intricate weaving control of the hockey ball coupled with small accurate passes proved very effective.

Katy Brown made a superb clearance off the goal line, and Naomi Garner block tackled strongly and cleared the ball with great determination.

Tynedale reduced the score to 4-2 when a powerful strike from Sarah Martindale rebounded off the keeper into the path of Vicky Foster, who swept the ball into the goal.

Tynedale keeper Nicky Baguley was awarded player of the match by the Medics.

Four league games remain for Tynedale in their first season back in the A league.