AN uncharacteristic lack of discipline saw Bromsgrove Ladies hockey team lose their unbeaten record against local rivals Redditch with a 2-1 defeat.

Bromsgrove went into the match on an unbeaten run of 13 games but it was Redditch who started well with some smooth pacy passing play that had them on the back foot. Bromsgrove soon mounted their first attack and a great through ball from Kate Jones saw Lisa Smiley fire narrowly wide.

Within a minute, a Chrissy Smith pass set up Angela Gibson but her effort was saved by the Redditch goalkeeper.

Play swung from end to end and Redditch went close with a penalty corner.

Bromsgrove countered and a Heather Nunnerley shot drew a good save from Redditch. This set up a period of intense Bromsgrove pressure and Gibson and Smith both hit the post.

Redditch responded well and Bromsgrove’s goalkeeper Bea Evans made two fine saves in rapid succession.

The end-to-end nature of the game continued and great play by Smiley and Gibson put Vicky Powell away and she finished with a hard shot into the back of the Redditch goal.

But once again Redditch responded and equalised from a penalty flick when Evans was adjudged to have brought down a Redditch forward.

The opening of the second half was a disaster for Bromsgrove.

First, influential defender Justine Postones had to leave the game following a nasty head injury and then Redditch took the lead following a period of heavy pressure.

This rattled Bromsgrove and they lost their discipline. Redditch started to control play until Bromsgrove settled down again. Nunnerley, Lucy Taylor, Gibson, Smith and Jones all had chances to equalise but a combination of poor finishing and solid Redditch defence prevented this as Redditch held on to win.

Bromsgrove are at home to Harborne on Saturday at Trinity High School, Redditch with an 11.30am start.

The second team took on high flying Badsey.

Bromsgrove were slow of the mark. with Badsey immediately putting pressure on the goal and taking just minutes to go 1-0 up.

Sustained pressure saw them score a second soon after.

Bromsgrove then reacted and started to play the ball around the midfield with some slick passing setting up Sarah Gormley, who found the net to make the scoreline 2-1.

But Badsey continued to dominate play and just before half time took a third.

The second half saw chances for both sides with Gormley narrowly missing a second goal. Bromsgrove's defence and keeper Alison Powell once again had to battle hard to keep Badsey from increasing their lead.

Late in the match, Bromsgrove took more control of the play but were unable to capitalise. the final score remained 3-1 to Badsey.

On Saturday, Bromsgrove are away to Old Sillhillians in an attempt to gain some much needed points.'