Hockey
Sutton Coldfield 1
Poynton 2
POYNTON Ladies continued their rich vein of form with a superb 2-1 victory against second-placed Sutton Coldfield to move seven points clear of the National League One relegation zone and igniting faint hopes of promotion.
Sutton, inspired by former Great Britain international Jane Sixsmith, created all the early pressure but Poynton's improved defence stood firm with goalkeeper Michelle Thomas once again in outstanding form between the posts.
Poynton broke the deadlock at the start of the second half when Nicola White was fouled as she shot for goal, and Cath Linaker coolly converted the resulting penalty.
Jane Ambler doubled the visitors' advantage with two minutes remaining from close range after the Sutton goalkeeper had made a series of point blank saves.
There was still time for Sixsmith to pull one back for Sutton, but Poynton held on to record a memorable win.
Macclesfield Ladies went down 3-1 against a strong Chester seconds outfit.
Chester dominated the early possession, but the home side defended bravely with captain Alison Wright a rock alongside Angela Duffy and Annika Hall. And Macc took the lead when a well-rehearsed short corner routine saw Debbie O'Connors fire home Claire Barlow's strike.
The turning point came when the referee missed a Chester player deliberately handling a Macclesfield shot on the line and the visitors struck twice before half time. Chester added a third late on to seal the win.
Macc face Sale at Tytherington High School on Saturday at 2.30pm.
