DESPITE a determined performance Acomb Hockey Club men’s first team succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Leeds thirds.

From the outset Acomb started strongly and caught Leeds offguard when a fluent attack left Matt Dickenson to guide the ball into an open goal after the Leeds goalkeeper was left stranded.

Stunned Leeds spent much of the rest of the first half camped in Acomb’s 25-yard area. And the home cause was hampered by Dickenson leaving the pitch for a while due to a knock to his knee and Simon Theaker being yellow carded for several minutes.

Nevertheless, the home side soaked up everything that was thrown at it but could not formulate another successful attack to increase the lead.

After the break, Leeds continued much the same in the second half and eventually broke through Acomb’s defence to score past goalkeeper Mike Brown.

Acomb dug in but could not get back into the game and Leeds went on to score a second.

Ian Roberton was taken down in the circle but was denied what should have been a penalty flick, the resulting short corner going awry.

As fatigue set in, Acomb conceded a further goal in the closing stages.