Women's English League & HEL Cup round-up: Rover Oxford experienced mixed fortunes in their league and cup double-header away to Leyland.
They went down 4-2 in the Division 2 clash on Saturday, but bounced back 24 hours later to gain revenge in the HEL Cup fourth round, with a 3-2 victory thanks to a Lyn Cockshott hat-trick.
In the first game, Leyland went ahead in the third minute with a deflected shot that gave keeper Liz Say no chance.
Leyland doubled their lead in the 23rd minute, before Rover pulled a goal back thanks to a fine reverse stick shot from Lorraine Furney.
However, after the break, Leyland again dominated and with two goals in five minutes that effectively put the result beyond doubt.
A late short-corner goal from Furney was too late to make any difference.
Rover reversed their fortunes the following day by progressing to the last 16 of the national cup comp- etition.
An early goal from Vicky Mankelow after some slick passing from Clare Norton and Cockshott got Hawks off to the perfect start.
However, Leyland levelled the scores with a reverse-stick shot and then took the lead after Emily Malden was disposessed on the 25.
But Rover rallied and drew level when Mankelow scored from close range after a pinpoint through pass from Furney.
In the second half, Rover's defence looked much more secure, with Malden outstanding at the back, and they dominated a tiring Leyland.
And just as the game looked to be heading for extra time, a surging run from Cockshott left the Leyland defenders in her wake.
Her pass from the baseline found Mankelow, who completed her hat-trick to win it for Rover in the last minute.
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