COLCHESTER LADIES 2

DEREHAM LADIES 2

East Women's Hockey League division one north

LIBBY Knifton scored twice as Colchester Ladies were held to a hard-earned draw by visitors Dereham.

Colchester are third in the division one north table. after been forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Colchester captain Jemma Rix said: "It was a great result after a well-fought match from both sides.

"We look forward to playing Dereham again, on their home turf."

Colchester started quickly and went ahead inside the first 15 minutes.

Some fine skill from Frankie Harley and quick distribution to Verity Farr allowed Knifton to score her first goal of the match with a shot to the bottom left. Dereham continued to invade the Colchester circle, with Katie Irwin and Liz Pope repeatedly defending strikes and intercepting passes.

Colchester keeper Lucy Stutchfield kept out repeated shots at goal from the visitors and kept the defence in check.

And the hosts doubled their lead when a quick break and early pass from Pippa Garbutt allowed Knifton up to score yet another goal.

Dereham quickly retaliated though to bring the score 2-1 at half-time.

And despite Colchester's best efforts to fend off Dereham's advances in the second half, the visitors equalised just before full-time.

Repeated shots by Farr, Helen Scott and Ellie Benfield were deflected numerous times by Dereham's keeper and both teams fought hard until the end to secure a draw.