HUDDERSFIELD are now in a three-way dogfight for the Yorkshire Premier Hockey League title after losing 3-2 to a last-gasp penalty flick at new leaders Lincoln.

Undefeated in their previous 12 games, Huddersfield were bitterly disappointed not to get at least a share of the spoils against a Lincoln side placed third going into the game.

The result leaves Lincoln a point clear of Huddersfield in the table as second-placed York also slipped up.

However, Lincoln have played a game more and the Lockwood Park side have everything to play for this weekend when they have a double header against Sheffield Bankers III and Lincoln.

If results go their way, then Huddersfield could clinch the title because York and Lincoln play each other on Saturday, but the viaduct side must shake off the disappointment of their weekend setback.

Huddersfield dominated the first half at Lincoln and were rewarded with a cracking goal from man-of-the-match Andy Kaye, who weaved his way past three defenders before smashing the ball home from the reverse stick side.

Ben Foo then showed terrific skill when dribbling from the ‘D’ to earn a penalty flick which he took himself, but the shot was too weak and easily saved by the keeper.

Huddersfield still finished the half the stronger, although they failed to make the most of many breaks and close chances.

The second half started badly for the visitors as Lincoln threw out an ‘aerial’ into the sun which bounced off the arm and chest of Mark Swinden to concede a free hit.

Lincoln quickly passed straight to a free player in the ‘D’ who took advantage of the slack defending to equalise.

Huddersfield responded in the right way and regained the lead from a short corner when Jimmy Swinden scored with a drag flick into the top left corner. He thought he had doubled the lead from another short corner soon after, placing a flick over the keeper after a one-two with Kaye, but the strike was disallowed.

It proved a key moment, as Huddersfield wasted several more chances and were caught on the break for Lincoln to make it 2-2.

Huddersfield’s misery was compounded in the final two minutes when one of the home side’s pacy forwards latched onto a long hit-out and had only keeper Paul Howarth to beat.

Howarth did well to hold-up the forward’s progress, allowing Rob Kelly to get back, but the umpire judged he illegally forced the Lincoln player off the ball and awarded a penalty flick, which was converted.

Squad: Howarth, Peachey, Swinden (M), Hannam, Beatson, Kelly (R), Gregory, Swinden (J), Kelly (L), Courtney, Durrans, Kaye, Foo.

Tadcaster 5 Huddersfield III 3

HUDDERSFIELD suffered a dent to their promotion aspirations.

Buoyed by two fine performances, Huddersfield started well and, with Kullar and Connell looking dangerous, the former won a short corner and Maddeford slotted home powerfully. Tadcaster responded with some slick passing and equalised, keeper Oli Durrant having no chance.

It signalled a spell when Huddersfield lost their way, suffered confusion in defence and Tadcaster took advantage with four quick-fire goals.

Huddersfield worked hard and Connell gave them a glimmer of hope by winning a short corner from which he scored before the break.

In the second half, Huddersfield were far better organised with Si Waterhouse and Taylor, assisted by Andy Swindells, cutting Tadcaster’s attacks and allowing the midfield to do well, although Durrant was still called upon to make some telling saves. Mills moved up from defence to midfield and, 20 minutes from time, finished off a well-worked moved for a third goal.

The team have a double-header this weekend and will aim to make amends with a final push in what has been a good season.

Squad – Durrant, Mills, Taylor, S Waterhouse, G Waterhouse, Kullar, Abbey, Swindells, Maddeford, Connell, Hindmarsh, Hamed.