UCLan Ladies Hockey 1st team shook off the disappointment of last week’s draw against Lancaster to earn a convincing 9-0 victory over Manchester Metropolitan University 1sts at Belle Vue on Wednesday.

The win sends them two points clear of Manchester University’s 2nds at the top of the table before there head-to-head in two weeks time.

UCLan were formidable from the start dominating the possession. Persistent pressure forced an early short corner which was cleared by Manchester. At the other end UCLAN’s defence were impenetrable to the home side who struggled from the offset.

Player of the match Emma Nokes opened the scoring just fifteen minutes into the game. Nokes continued to cause Manchester’s defence problems and extended the lead shortly after with two further goals securing her hat-trick before the half-time whistle.

UCLAN went from strength to strength in the second half. Katie Errock’s efforts were rewarded when she scored from a cross and Steph Bedford earned her place on the score sheet after managing to find the backboard from a very narrow angle. Karen Harvey also put in an outstanding performance and got a well deserved hat-trick.   

The final whistle was blown shortly after a penalty corner was awarded to the away side. Not satisfied with her hat-trick Emma Nokes finished the match off with a straight strike from a short corner.

Captain Gina Pritchard said “It was a fantastic team effort and I’m very proud of all of all the girls.”