A LATE withdrawal left City of York Ladies under-strength for their North League game at Whitley Bay.

The weakness led to a 2-0 defeat but only after York had played some of their best hockey for several weeks, with Sarah Lawrence outstanding in midfield and junior player Vicky Blair making a promising debut.

York were fortunate in the first half when Whitley Bay missed from a penalty stroke, but unlucky when the home 'keeper made a fine save to keep out Lawrence's shot after a penalty corner.

Whitley Bay took the lead midway through the second half with a goal scored from short range and immediately scored again after a good save from young York 'keeper Ella Baggaley rebounded kindly to allow a simple shot into an unguarded York net.

Umpiring problems meant that the Yorkshire League division two game between City of York II and Otliensians had to be played as a friendly which the latter won 2-0.

In division six, City of York III won 4-0 at Bedale II with two goals from Liz Wooley, Becky Copperthwaite and Susie Orton also scoring.

Tadcaster Magnet Ladies won 1-0 at Batley Ladies thanks to a well-rehearsed short corner which saw Sarah Pedder set up Bec Cattle to strike the ball home.

Helen Stuart hit a post for Tad after good work by Angela McMillan and Nicola Willis. Tadcaster made several other chances but were unable to increase their lead.

An under-strength Nestl Rowntree Ladies lost 2-0 at Whitby in the Costcutter League. It was their second league defeat of the season.

* JESSICA Barnes, Stephanie Pearson and Amelia Smalley from City of York Hockey Club's Under-14s were recruited by the club's boys' team on Sunday.

York lost 2-0 to Sheffield, drew 0-0 with Slazengers and beat Harrogate 1-0 with a Ben Hildreth goal.

Nathan Sorby, in goal, and sweeper Alex Herriott were outstanding for York.

Updated: 12:12 Tuesday, November 20, 2001