IN a match played in Leeds as part of the North League umpiring assessment scheme, City of York Ladies lost 2-1 to Chester.

York created chances throughout the game but, after a goalless first-half, a defensive mistake allowed Chester to take the lead with a goal diverted into the net off a post.

York continued to attack but had no luck in front of goal before Chester went further ahead with a well-taken goal from a penalty corner.

It was a case of too little too late when Paula Clough forced the ball in for York's late consolation.

The defeat leaves York in relegation trouble needing to pick up points from their remaining five games, all against teams in the lower part of the Premier League table.

In division six of the Yorkshire League, City of York III lost 4-1 away at Heckmondwike, Becky Copperthwaite scoring York's goal.

Nestl Rowntree Ladies drew 0-0 with Stamford Bridge in the Costcutter York and District Hockey League.

Both teams had chances to win with Bridge coming closest with an effort cleared off the line.

Updated: 12:22 Tuesday, February 19, 2002