LOCH LOMOND Hockey Club's first team saw their recent good form take a hit with a 3-2 defeat at home to Clydesdale 5.

Loch Lomond had an early set-back with a last-minute call off which meant they were down to 11 players, no subs and two players and a goalie not feeling 100 per cent - all meaning it was going to be an uphill struggle.

Both teams started strong from the first whistle with Clydesdale intercepting balls and Loch Lomond stopping them high on the defence.

The match was 50-50 with both teams pushing to get the early lead but it was Clydesdale who managed to sneak one across the line first, against the run of play.

Loch Lomond kept their heads high and immediately went into the counter with some lovely passing from the backs, through midfield and up to Gillian Finch who slotted home the equaliser to make it 1-1.

Both teams continued to battle and only some great goalkeeping by Heather Smith and a goal line clearance by a Loch Lomond defender kept the scoreline at 1-1 at half time.

After a strong half time team talk, Loch Lomond came out fighting knowing that they were capable of scoring more goals.

After some chances at both ends, Loch Lomond were first to get on the score sheet with some strong running and passing down the left wing, Rebecca Holland struck a lightning pass up the middle to striker Finch who was cutting in from the wing position. Finch collected well, drew the keeper and slotted the ball home. What a pass, and nice finish.

Clydesdale were not giving up and countered strong with the Loch Lomond defence of Kim Rijsdijk, Caroline Lyall, Kirsty Richardson and Sue Aikman being called upon on a few occasions to make some crucial tackles to stop Clydesdale from entering the D.

Loch Lomond kept the pressure up trying to get the ball forward through some excellent passing up the wings and the midfield, however it was Clydesdale that managed to get the next goal to equalise and make it 2-2.

Both teams kept the pressure on, both winning short corners that were defended well and which kept the scores level with everything to play for.

Unfortunately, in the last minute of play after some clever passing, with only seconds to go Clydesdale, despite the heroics of keeper Smith, were able to get another one across the line with the very last touch of the ball to end the match 3-2.

Thanks to Andy Richardson for umpiring and Dave Finch and Rosie McColgan for their support throughout.

Loch Lomond voted Rebecca Holland player of the match for her endless attacking play and Heather Smith was runner up for her brave display in goal.

Opposition player of the match was awarded to Gillian Finch.

Team: Heather Smith, Caroline Lyall, Lauren McCreadie, Sue Aikman, Kirsty Richardson, Vanessa Sabala, Tara Jackson, Rebecca Holland, Kim McCallion, Gillian Finch, Kimberley Rijsdijk.