LOCH Lomond Hockey Club’s second team began their new league season with a 3-0 defeat away to Western Wildcats’ third XI at Auchenhowie.

The local ladies welcomed two new players to their squad for the West District division four fixture, Naomi Shearer and Ava Currie, and both played very well.

Loch Lomond also had their under-16 West District goalkeeper Emma O’Neill between the sticks – well done to Emma on a notable achievement!

The game started off with a wave of attacking play from Wildcats who had a solid midfield feeding their forwards beautifully. Loch lomond defended well across the back but at times lost their shape a little.

Defenders Anna Currie and Jane Neil fed well to midfield and Eve Howard sent some great passes up the left to Kara Kerr, who had a great match.

The visitors went in at half time 1-0 down and gathered to catch their breath and have a team talk which tried to encourage midfield to open up but also step back and defend when needed.

Unfortunately Loch Lomond’s star goalkeeper Emma O’Neill became unwell at half time. Anna Currie stepped in as kicking back and then O’Neill valiantly re-entered the field.

Western made a few good strikes to take it to 3-0 but could not capitalise from the short corners they won. O’Neill went off again, unable to shake off her illness, and Currie made a couple of great saves as kicking back once again.

Towards the end of the game, Loch Lomond had some great breaks up the right and some great crosses played into the D but were unable to convert any into goals.

Loch Lomond need to work on being more alert, defensive positioning from midfield and short corners over the coming weeks which will surely pay dividends.

The opposition’s Loch Lomond player of the match accolade was awarded to Anna Currie. Player of the match was Anna English with Anna Currie getting runner up.

Thanks to Anne Mcgregor for umpiring when the umpire didn’t show.