Hockey: Bradford finished on a high in the last National Women's Division One fixture before the Christmas break with a 2-1 win at Aldridge.

They began the match well and looked in control but after 12 min Aldridge were awarded a free hit just outside their attacking circle.

The undercut was driven towards the circle and rose into the air, hitting Bradford captain Jo Holroyd with a ferocious impact.

She was pole-axed with a gashed head, and the incident resulted in a 25 minute delay while an ambulance crew dealt with the player's head injury.

It was feared that she had fractured her skull but after an hospital examination she was given the all-clear.

When the match re-started, Bradford had to re-organise.

They sent on substitute Lisa Kelly, but within five minutes she had to leave the field after suffering a blow to the hand.

She was replaced by Nicola Woodhead who went up front and within four minutes was involved in the move which led to Bradford taking the lead.

An early ball from Gill Morris on the halfway line found Woodhead in space and she released a quick pass to Sandeep Kaur who was supporting on the right.

Kaur beat her marker, drove into the striking circle and struck the ball into the far corner of the goal.

Bradford kept up the pressure, but, with three minutes to half-time, Aldridge got a break where they outnumbered Bradford's defence.

Former England and Great Britain internationals Lisa Prince (Ald-ridge) and Jill Barker (Bradford) were involved in an incident just inside the Aldridge attacking circle which resulted in the home side being awarded a penalty stroke.

Barker was deemed to have stick-tackled the Aldridge striker who was attempting a shot on goal, and the penalty stroke was converted by Kerry Taylor.

In the second half, the game was fairly even for the first 15 minutes, in which time Bradford took the lead from a Barker penalty corner strike.

Bradford then came under sustained pressure as Aldridge pressed for the equaliser.

Having lost key midfielder Holroyd and striker Kelly through injury, Bradford held on well, and kept it tight to finish with all three points to leave them two points adrift of the leaders.

The division is establishing a reputation as being ultra-competitive, as six of the eight teams are within three points of the top.

The Outdoor League now takes a two-month break while the Indoor National league has priority.

Bradford will play at East Grinstead on January 2-3 and 16-17.

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