City of Peterborough haunted by former player in National League derby defeat, ladies lose their unbeaten East League record

Former player Adam Wilson came back to Bretton Gate to haunt City of Peterborough Hockey Club yesterday (October 11).
Goalscorer Chris Clarkson (red) in action for City of Peterborough against Cambridge City. Photo: David Lowndes.Goalscorer Chris Clarkson (red) in action for City of Peterborough against Cambridge City. Photo: David Lowndes.
Goalscorer Chris Clarkson (red) in action for City of Peterborough against Cambridge City. Photo: David Lowndes.

Wilson, one of many star names to depart City in the close season, claimed a hat-trick as Cambridge City won the big National League Division One North derby 4-2.

Wilson, who first developed his skills in City of Peterborough’s outstanding mini hockey programme, was the main difference between two sides who started the day without a point from their opening two matches.

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City of Peterborough again competed well, coming from behind to twice draw level, but the talent drain will be tough to overcome in the long run.

Josh Heyworth (red) in action for City of Peterborough against Cambridge City. Photo: David Lowndes.Josh Heyworth (red) in action for City of Peterborough against Cambridge City. Photo: David Lowndes.
Josh Heyworth (red) in action for City of Peterborough against Cambridge City. Photo: David Lowndes.

After a promising start by the home side, Cambridge took the lead in the 13th minute.

A goalkeeping error enabled Chris Clarkson to equalise 10 minutes later before Wilson delivered a trademark short corner flick into the top corner of the net to put the visitors back in front on the half hour.

Grady Wing’s fine reverse stick finish dragged City of Peterborough level again within four minutes, but Wilson’s audacious volleyed lob soon had Cambridge back in front and he completed his hat-trick from another penalty corner.

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City of Peterborough had their chances most notably when skipper Joe Finding galloped clear only to be denied by a ‘keeper keen to make up for his earlier blunder.

City, who are bottom, have another winnable fixture next Sunday (October 18) when they travel to newly-promoted Deeside Ramblers who have collected just one point from their three Division One matches so far.

With so many top players there has been a knock-on effect at the club. City of Peterborough seconds and thirds are bottom of their respective divisions having lost all six matches they’ve played between them.

City of Peterborough Ladies lost their unbeaten record in the East Premier Division on Saturday, but they had their chances to topple leaders Harleston seconds.

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City had an abundance of possession but went down 3-1 at Bretton Gate.

Jess Broadway scored the City goal. They’ve dropped to sixth ahead of another tough game at second-placed Ipswich on Saturday. Ipswich, like Harleston, have won all three of their 2020-21 league matches.

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