LOCH Lomond were left heartbroken after having a late goal chopped off against Troon on Saturday, to make matters worse Stepps took advantage to clinch a winner in the closing stages.

Prior to this match Loch Lomond were sitting in third place in the league.

Stepps took the game to Loch Lomond right from the start and the home side found themselves under attack immediately.

The visitors were quicker to the ball on numerous occasions and were playing good triangular hockey making it difficult for Loch Lomond to break down the play. Loch Lomond were also playing into the strong wind and driving rain and their defence was finding it difficult.

Fifteen minutes into the half, Stepps broke the deadlock with a strong strike which the keeper didn’t see in time to make a save. Five minutes later, Stepps went two up after they were awarded yet another penalty corner. The ball was cleared off the line by the left back but only as far as the oncoming attacker who slotted the ball into the goal.

This seemed to act as a wake up call for Loch Lomond who finally settled down and started to make in-roads into the Stepps half.

Right back Sarah McHard made some great foraging runs up the right wing and put some very tempting balls into the danger areas. The home side started to pin the Stepps defence in their own D and a number of tussles ensued.

Just before half-time Loch Lomond were awarded a free hit just outside the D. Olivia Finch quickly placed the ball and caught the Stepps defenders off-guard as she ran for the back line and put in a cracking cross which was met by a fantastic strike into the top corner of the goal by midfielder Rosie McColgan. 2-1 to Stepps at half time.

Loch Lomond managed to secure a number of penalty corners in this half and Rosie McColgan was able to convert one of these with a great strike.

With the game levelled, Loch Lomond gained more confidence and started to push forward but were always aware that they could be left open at the back.

Midway through the half, the home team were awarded a penalty flick as the ball had been stopped on the line by the foot of a defender. Unfortunately for Loch Lomond, the Stepps keeper was able to save the flick and deny them a chance to go ahead for the first time in the match.

However, Loch Lomond did have the ball in the net shortly afterwards. After a discussion between the two umpires, the goal was chopped off.

It was the Stepps team who were celebrating just four minutes later when they converted from a penalty corner and once again went ahead.

Loch Lomond fought hard and with seconds to go were awarded a penalty corner but were not able to take advantage of this final chance. The game ended in a 3-2 defeat for the home side.

Player of the match was awarded to Sara McHard and runners up were Rosie McColgan and Olivia Finch. Loch Lomond team kit is sponsored by Lomond Letting.

Team: C.Sweeney, C.Lyall, S.Rijsdijyk, S.McHard, R.McColgan, Z.Canty(capt), J.Cuthbertson, C.Cuthbertson, O.Finch, M.Rowan, K.Bruce, K.Cordner, C.Ross and S.Hay.