Tynedale Ladies began their hockey season with a disappointing 6-1 defeat at home to Morpeth 2’s. The game was played in torrential rain under floodlights with a youthful feel to the Tynedale side.

Morpeth dominated play right from the start pulling together a series of attacking moves. The Tynedale defence worked hard as a unit to prevent an early goal in the first 10 minutes - the experienced Alison Westworth, Katy Brown, Emma Sanderson and captain Sue Crawford all snuffing out chances.

Despite their heroics however, the home side were soon 2-0 down due to some skilful play and finishing from the young Morpeth forwards.

Some great passing and link play from three of the Tynedale youngsters; Hattie Brown, Cara Lee and Lizzie Scott, gave Tynedale some hope in attack, but with just a few minutes before the half time whistle, Morpeth scored again to make it 3-0 - a neat flick into the back of the net.

To add insult to injury, the scorer’s stick hit defender Katy Brown in the face and she had to leave the pitch needing treatment for a nasty gash to her cheek.

With minutes remaining in the first half, Brown, Lee and Scott combined well again culminating in a thunderous strike from 14-year-old Lee which was deflected smartly into the goal by Scott.

However the onslaught continued with Morpeth were relentless in attack in the second half. But there was some solace for the Hexham-based side thanks to Player of the Match, Nicky Baguley who was superb in goal - keeping out numerous chances.

Young midfielders Tasha Berkley, Laura Gray, Francesca Dent and Jessie Combe worked tirelessly and contributed well, but Morpeth were just too strong, claiming another three goals before full time.

Despite the result, all Tynedale Ladies' players were pleased to return to the pitch. The club has carried out extensive work behind the scenes to ensure the club and players can train and play safely under strict Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

Tynedale Ladies 1 currently sit bottom of the Northumberland Hockey A League with a-5 goal difference. Next week, the team hope to bounce back away against Newcastle Medics 2's.