Hockey: Late defeat for IoM U14 girls at Timperley

Manx side commended on efforts in close-fought encounter

It was late heartbreak for the Isle of Man Under-14 Girls hockey team at the weekend with a narrow 1-0 loss to Timperley in the England Hockey Knockout Championships.

The 14-strong squad made the journey for the Under-14 Tier 2 KO Championship showdown in Manchester which had previously been postponed due to poor weather and travel disruption.

A closely-contested affair was decided through a Timperley strike with just seven minutes remaining with the Manx side unable to find a leveller late on despite applying pressure in the closing stages.

Despite the defeat, coach Sam Franklin had a positive outlook saying: "The team should be immensely proud of their efforts as for the majority of the group this was their first experience of playing for the IOM in a championship hockey match. 

"The improvement of the group over the season has been impressive and the prospects for IOM hockey are extremely positive."  

Castletown's Lauren Collister earned the Island squad's player of the match award whilst the goalkeeping performance of Valkyrs player Darcy Gilbert was also highlighted.

Separately, the Isle of Man Women's Over-45's match away at Formby on Sunday (5 January) was postponed due to poor weather conditions.