HORWICH Hockey Club ladies' first team remain nine points clear at the top of the Greater Manchester League Division Two despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Didsbury Northern's fourth team.

It marked the end of Horwich's 100-per-cent winning record this season against the only other unbeaten side in the division.

Horwich goalkeeper Zoe Dudley kept her team level with a number of fine saves before her team made the breakthrough with a Jeanette Brew goal.

Didsbury hit back and eventually got the reward for their pressure with the equaliser.

Horwich Ladies' second team earned the local bragging rights when they convincingly beat Bolton Ladies third team 6-2.

Bolton went into half time 1-0 ahead, but Horwich hit back hard in the second half.

Lara King equalised early and went on to score a hat-trick, as did Sarah McDonald with Bolton replying with a consolation.

Horwich men's first team went down 4-3 at an in-form Preston.

The local lads struck first when Tony Sanderson capitalised on a poor clearance, weaving his way through the home side's defence and slotting home in style.

This set the standard for the game with both sides taking turns to attack only to be thwarted by the opposition's defence.

Preston equalised and, with their tails up, scored the next two goals.

Horwich, though on the back foot, rallied well and a fantastic run by David Whiteside sliced the Preston side open before he coolly set up Sanderson for his second goal.

This buoyed the visitors and the pressure told when Horwich were rewarded with several short corners, one of which was smashed home by Andrew Robertson to make it 3-3.

With both sides probing for the winner, it was the home side who got it and held on for the victory.

Horwich men’s second team suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Keswick men’s thirds.

Despite some great saves from Graeme Kilshaw his side found themselves 2-0 down at half time.

Horwich regrouped and rearranged the back line where Connor Cliffe made some excellent tackles and passes from the middle.

They started to get their game together but suffered another blow when a well-taken goal made it 3-0.

This brought the home side to life and they dominated the last 10 minutes, with Matt Tuppen and Rob Brewer making great runs down both wings and Ste Anders pulling a goal back.

Meanwhile, Bolton ladies' second team produced much to be optimistic about in a 2-2 draw with Stockport Bramhall.

Viv Lake put the local team ahead from a tight angle after some quick, short inter-passing with Jess Flegg.

With Debbie Nicholson impressive in midfield and Jo Tanned, Rebecca Denton and Imogen Hall working well together Bolton repelled Stockport's advances before making it 2-0 with a super second goal from Lake.

Stockport pressed in the second half and, despite a fine performance by Emily Hawkrigg they pulled a goal back before Bolton suffered a sickening blow when an unlucky deflection saw them concede the equaliser with just two minutes remaining.