BROOKLANDS Poynton Ladies' firsts remain top of Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North after a 2-0 win against seventh-placed Loughborough University – their 10th in a row.

Despite their standing in the league, the student team came with intentions to get something out of the match, however it was the league leaders that started the game with greater speed and quality.

Several excellent goalscoring opportunities were created but the composure and clinical edge was yet to match the superior start made by Brooklands.

A strong turnout of home support helped the Brooklands ladies maintain their dominance and after numerous penalty corners Caro Hulme seized upon a close-range opportunity from a rebound strike from Sophie Clough.

With the game becoming increasingly end-to-end the student side started to place pressure on Brooklands' narrow lead.

The quality of central defenders Kirsty Dawson and Amy Gavin protected the lead until half time but the second half continued to provide fast and furious hockey from both sides.

Loughborough's change in tactics allowed them to gain a greater foothold in the game, but Brooklands were still the more threatening going forward.

Brooklands doubled their lead 13 minutes into the second half from Ellen Lockhart's penalty corner strike, this time the Loughborough keeper was beaten first time by the pace and accuracy.

The final phase of the game continued to entertain the crowd, with Loughborough throwing everything they had to get back into the match but they were unable to find a way past Lelkens who yet again kept a clean sheet.

Next up for Brooklands is a home clash against Liverpool Sefton on Saturday