Having seen their opening game of the season postponed due to bad weather, Witham Hockey Club’s ladies got their Essex Women's League campaign up and running with a win at East London.

The hosts started by moving the ball quickly around on the rather bouncy pitch, but Witham kept up with them for the first part and felt unfortunate to fall behind when a reverse stick under cut found the target despite keeper Michelle Fussell getting her stick to it.

This was just the boost Witham needed, though, as the midfield of Lauren Kempen, Carrie Hicks, Florencia Loray and Sue Rayner started distributing the ball around the pitch.

A through ball from forward Hannah Cagney to Clare Ledwell saw the visitors draw level and as Witham continued to apply the pressure, a short corner converted by Loray put them ahead at the break.

The second half saw East London lose their keeper and have to resort to 11 outfield players, which made life difficult for the Witham forwards as there was now an extra person pressuring them as they entered the D.

East London were rewarded first in the second half, drawing the score level again, however, Witham’s constant pressure brought more goals from Ledwell – one after a well-placed ball from Chloe Barber and another with an excellent goal-line deflection from Cagney.

Witham’s defence of Sarah Smith, Hannah Wright and Sara Smith worked tirelessly to keep the home side at bay and, despite a third home goal coming from a short corner late on in the game, managed to keep them out.