City of York Ladies suffered double weekend disappointment, losing 4-1 at home to unbeaten Whitley Bay in the North League before a 5-0 reverse at Nottingham Highfield in the third round of the England Hockey Women's Cup.

For a time, a different outcome looked likely against Whitley Bay, when Sally Sleightholme gave York an early lead and then goalkeeper Dawn Hopkins saved a penalty stroke.

But a York own goal just before half-time put Bay in the game and they capitalised after the break with goals from a penalty stroke, a York deflection and one from open play.

At Nottingham, York were missing five first-team regulars but competed well in the first-half before Highfield scored after 30 minutes. The home side added four second half goals while York, who have found goals hard to come by this season, came nearest when Sleightholme placed a penalty stroke just wide of the net.

In a top of the table clash at Leeds in division two of the Yorkshire League, City of York Ladies II came up against a strong home side, losing 4-0.

In division six, City of York Ladies IV lost 5-0 at St John's II while, in division five, City of York Ladies III provided the one bright spot for the club, winning 3-0 at home to Acomb II with goals from Sam Clowes, Emily Bailey and Becky Copperthwaite.

Goals by Ang McConnell (2), Jayne Leckenby (2) and Sam Hampshire sealed Norwich Union Olympics' 5-3 conquest of Whitby in the York and District Hockey League after being 2-1 down at half time.

Updated: 09:10 Tuesday, November 18, 2003