Trelawney Hockey League 1
Dartmouth 2 Mannamead II 1
DARTMOUTH made hard work of last weekend's encounter against bottom side Mannamead who frustrated the home attack by crowding the D with defenders.
Short corners quickly followed, but poor shot choice and good goalkeeping kept the Darts from scoring.
With only a few attacks to deal with, Dartmouth were able to push up and pin Mannamead back in their half.
Sara Barratt orchestrated most of these attacks, ably supported by stand in wings Chelsey Rendle and Katie Frost who worked hard all match.
It was no surprise that the opening score came from Lucy Pillar, who saw a fine shot from a well worked short corner deflect off a defender and in.
Mannamead did make life more challenging for the home defence in the second half, quickly breaking and causing problems. One of these breaks caught Dartmouth flat footed as the equaliser was taken with a fine individual goal.
Raising their game and using superior pace in attack, Dartmouth responded well as a through ball from Sarah Barratt was hit home in style from Lucy Pillar to regain the lead.
More goals were sought and the forwards were unlucky not to score more before the end. A home match against champions-elect Mannamead firsts now awaits as Dartmouth play their final game of the season tomorrow.