WINNINGTON Park ladies 1sts were unable to stave off relegation after losing 5-1 at home to table topping Sheffield Audi Hallam.

The runaway leaders signalled their intent from the start and within 15 minutes had built up a healthy three goal lead and looked to have Park permanently on the back foot.

Winnington then conceded another goal just before half time and seemed unable to cope with Sheffield's speed and movement.

But as the second half got underway the home side looked to go on the offensive and produced some good flowing hockey with Jo Jones capitalising and scoring a goal from open play.

Sheffield, though, refused to relent and added a fifth score to finish off the game.

The defeat has sounded the death knell for Park who are now relegated from the North Territorial Women's Hockey League Division One and are facing up to at least one season in the northern feeder league.

l PARK'S 2nds are faring little better and on Sunday lost 4-1 to league leaders Whitchurch.

However Park started brightly and after some inventive play managed to take the lead through youngster Amanda Sharrock.

But despite Park's good work they were unable to prevent Whitchurch from drawing level and after the break the division's top side exploited gaps in Winnington's defence and managed to score three further goals.