Cambridge City lose 4-2 to Loughborough Students in England Hockey Women’s Conference Midlands top-of-the-table encounter

Cambridge City’s England Hockey Women’s Conference Midlands title hopes are all but over after Saturday’s 4-2 home defeat to Loughborough Students II.

Victory for second-placed City would have moved them to within three points of the visiting table toppers.

However, Loughborough’s win has opened up a nine-point advantage with only three matches remaining for both sides, meaning that they now only require a draw to officially be crowned champions.

The away side opened up a three-goal lead before top goalscorer Emily McStea’s 18th of the season and one from Laila Hollis got City back into the contest.

But the outcome was sealed by a fourth goal for the students in the final minute of the contest.

In the East Women’s League Premier Division, second-placed Cambridge City II ran out 5-2 winners over Broxbourne.

Sadie Werrett fired in four of the goals for a City side that are five points adrift of league-leading Harleston Magpies II.

In the same division, Cambridge City III played out a 1-1 draw at home with Upminster.

Katie Maude-Barker fired in to give City the lead during the first half, only for the visitors to respond with an equalising goal after the restart.

Cambridge City III tightened their grip on third position in the East Women’s League Division 1 North thanks to a 4-3 win over Wisbech Town.

Two late goals from Essi Hardbord sealed the victory for City following earlier efforts from Eva King and Alice Beardmore.

A trio of late goals earned Cambridge City V a 3-0 home victory over Cambridge South III in the East Women’s League Division 2 North West.

Julia Meghone, Anna Dicker and Sam Surridge all found the back of the net in the final 20 minutes of the encounter.

In the East Women’s League Division 5 North West, there was cause for celebration for Cambridge City VII as they were crowned champions following a 5-1 win at Newmarket III.

Meanwhile, Cambridge City Over-35s bowed out of the cup with a 3-2 shootout loss to Teddington.

Chanre Bond twice put City in front but on both occasions Teddington responded before coming out on top from the spot.

Elsewhere, Cambridge City remain in England Hockey Men’s Conference Midlands relegation trouble after being thrashed 6-1 at home by Norwich City.

James Pitchford netted a consolation goal for City, who are only out of the bottom two places on goal difference.

Cambridge City remain on course for East Men’s League Division 1 North promotion following their 2-0 home victory against Norwich City II.

Ben Dudgeon and Jacob Marshall-Grint scored the goals that have kept City level on points with leaders Cambridge University.

Cambridge City III secured the East Men’s League Division 3 North West title courtesy of a 5-1 win at Cambridge South III.

A hat-trick of penalty corner finishes from Tom Lilley put City in the ascendancy, while captain David Gibson added a brace.

It was honours even between Cambridge City V and Cambridge University IV in the East Men’s League Division 4 North West.

Ben Willington’s goal handed City the lead but the students responded via a penalty stroke to ensure that the two teams remain locked in the division on 38 points apiece.

In the same league, Nick Turner and Nigel Anns scored the goals in Cambridge City VI’s 2-2 draw at Pelicans III.