Harrogate Hockey Club Ladies 1s denied winning start to life in new division by last-gasp goal
Harrogate Hockey Club Ladies 1s came within seconds of getting off to a winning start to life in Yorkshire & North East Division One.
Jaclyn Smith’s team took a 2-1 lead into the last minute of Saturday’s trip to Driffield, but were then pegged back at the death and had to settle for just a point on the opening weekend.
The Ainsty Road outfit have had to endure a difficult couple of years, with their relegation from Conference North in 2024/25 followed by another demotion last term.
But, having conceded early on at Driffield, they drew level through a Sarah Proctor goal that arrived just before the half-hour mark, then took the lead when Evelyn Wright struck on 66 minutes.
The East Yorkshire side would however have the final say at the death.
Harrogate Ladies 2s also got their 2026/27 campaign underway with a 2-2 draw, at home to Wakefield 2s.
On target for the hosts in Saturday’s Yorkshire Division One clash were Bella Vere and Madeleine Lindley.
Harrogate Men’s 1s began brightly away at Doncaster in the Yorkshire & North East Premier Division, but ultimately ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 score-line.
Charles Edmondson fired ‘Gate into an 18th-minute lead, but the home side pulled level before half-time and then added two more goals without reply during the latter stages.
Harrogate Men’s 2s also tasted defeat on the opening day, going down 2-1 at home to Driffield 2s in Yorkshire Division One.
Last season’s Division Two champions got on the score-sheet through Peter Shipston’s 50th-minute effort, but that was as good as it was to get for them.