Setback for relegation battling Stourport (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Setback for relegation battling Stourport

5:00pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in Sport

HOCKEY: Stourport Ladies suffered a setback in their hopes of staying out of the drop zone in the Investec Women’s Conference South after a 2-0 defeat to Gloucester.

The loss means the battle to avoid the bottom three will go down to the last weekend of the season.

The Wyre Forest outfit sit just above the relegation zone due to goal difference.

While Stourport end the season at champions Buckingham next weekend, closest rivals Barnes Hounslow Ealing take on bottom side Taunton Vale.

On Saturday, the two sides battled out a goalless first-half.

Nicola Moss and Georgi Burns looked dangerous early on but two stoppages saw the hosts lose their focus.

In the second period, Erin Preece’s introduction added extra zest to Stourport’s attack.

They came close through Sade Gerald but Gloucester’s defence held firm.

An error allowed the away team to score against the run of play, before a Julie Whiting own goal five minutes later doubled their advantage.

Stourport tried to hit back with Moss trying to prompt attacks but Gloucester held firm despite having a player sin-binned late on.

The seconds defeated Uttoxeter 3-1 in the Midlands Feeder West League.

Holly Lashford and Lorna Hawthorne were on target as the thirds went down 8-2 in Worcestershire League Division One to Badsey.

Stourport fourths were edged out 3-2 by Old Hales 3-2 in Division Two, despite goals for Eleanor Johnson and Louise Bagnall.

The fifths beat Kings Heath seconds 3-1 thanks to first-half strikes by Steph Johnson, Rosie Connolly and Hazel Claris.

Stourport Ladies seconds: Back row (right to left): Fran Moss, Lauren Homer, Amy Ryan, Chloe Marshall-Walker, Gil Moss, Bethan Merriman,
Front row: Rene Johnson, Shelley Rowley, Amy Miller, Sally Smith, Hebe Vosper-Brown, Kirsty Imm, Georgina Bathurst.