YVETTE Saunders netted twice as Winnington Park ladies' hockey team secured a battling 3-2 league win away to Leyland on Saturday.

Winnington showed plenty of character and fighting spirit, twice battling back after going behind.

Leyland opened the scoring, but Saunders produced a spectacular diving shot to equalize.

The home side again took the lead, but a Di Fielding goal once more brought Winnington level, making it 2-2 at half-time.

Winnington began to dominate after the break and Saunders scored a deserved winner. Rosie Field was man of the match.

The result takes Winnington to third place in the North League.

On Sunday, Winnington met Leyland again, this time in the second round of the Hockey Association Cup.

Karen Thwaites got Winnington off to a great start, but Leyland equalized just before half-time.

Park were not short of chances in the second half but it was Leyland who went on to gain revenge for their league defeat by scoring the decider for a 2-1 win.

WINNINGTON 2nds faced familiar foes Acton in their league game, surrendering to two spectacular shots before half-time.

Park fought back in the second half, with Julie Rafferty scoring, but that was the only time they could penetrate the Acton defence, the score remaining 2-1.

Man of the match was sweeper Julia Harries, who was kept fully occupied by the Acton forwards throughout the game.

THIS Saturday, Winnington's 1sts take on Sheffield in the league at Sir John Deane's College (2.15pm). The 2nds are away to Chester College, while the 3rds take on Oxton at Winnington Rec (2.30pm).

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