Cambridge City one point off the top of the England Hockey Women’s Conference Midlands table after win over St Albans

Cambridge City headed into the winter break just a point off the top of the England Hockey Women’s Conference Midlands table thanks to last weekend’s 4-2 victory at St Albans.

After Emily McStea had given visiting City an early lead, they were pegged back by an equalising goal heading into half-time.

However, two quickfire goals from Isobel Johnson shortly after the restart put City in command and their position was further strengthened when Isla Campbell found the back of the net with 10 minutes remaining.

St Albans pulled a goal back in the closing stages, but second-placed City had long done the damage.

Elsewhere, Cambridge City IV also celebrated picking up three points as they beat Saffron Walden 2-0 in the East Women’s League Division 1 North.

Two first-half goals from Anna Nicholson was enough to get the better of the visitors from Essex.

In the East Women’s League Division 3 North West, it was the same scoreline for Cambridge City VI as they got the better of Cambridge South IV.

Nina Taank and Jo Howland were both on target for City, who are sixth in the league standings.

There was a thumping 7-1 triumph for Cambridge City VII during their East Women’s League Division 5 North West encounter against Ely City III.

Julie Smythe helped herself to a hat-trick alongside a goal apiece for Hattie Emerson, Faith Leader, Natasha Blatcher and Karen Issac.

Meanwhile, only two of the club’s men’s teams tasted victories at the weekend.

One of those sides was Cambridge City III, who saw off the challenge from Cambridge Nomads II 4-0 in an East Men’s League Division 3 North West encounter.

After Tom Liley had opened the scoring from a penalty corner, further goals followed from Adam Stephens, Bertie Thackray and David Gibson.

And there was also a win for Cambridge City VI in the East Men’s League Division 4 North West as they got the better of Newmarket II by a 2-0 margin.

Nigel Anns scored a penalty corner strike to give City the lead before Finn Maddock converted a second to wrap up all three points.