Cambridge City recorded a third straight England Hockey Women’s Conference Midlands victory at the weekend thanks to a 2-1 home win over the University of Birmingham II.

The students had been somewhat of a bogey team for City in recent seasons, but they dug in to record a win that has kept them in third place, three points behind table-topping Cambridge University.

After a goalless first half, City’s Eloise Ward broke the deadlock via a back-post tap-in.

Rhianne Noor then doubled the home team’s advantage a couple of minutes later with her first goal of the campaign.

However, it ended up being a nervy finish when a succession of cards saw City reduced to 10 players for an 11-minute period, and the visitors eventually halved their deficit.

Nevertheless, City stood firm to record their fourth victory from five outings this term.

In the East Women’s League Premier Division, Cambridge City II had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Norwich Dragons.

It was a fixture City would have expected to win relatively comfortably, but as it transpired, they needed a late penalty corner from Fliss McCarthy to salvage a share of the spoils.

In the same division, one goal was enough for league-leading Ipswich to get the better of Cambridge City III, who have now lost five of their six matches this term.

In the East Women’s League Division 1 North, Cambridge City IV returned to winning ways after three outings without a victory following a 5-2 home win over Wisbech Town.

Sylvie Garnett (2), Holly Sheahan, Beth Earnes and Nina Taank were all on target for City before the visitors netted a couple of late consolation goals.

Elsewhere, Cambridge City V suffered a 4-2 defeat during their East Women’s League Division 2 North West clash at St Neots.

After falling three goals down, City responded with a brace from Holly Mullberry either side of the break.

However, a fourth St Neots goal ended any hopes of a comeback from the away side.

In the East Women’s League Division 3 North West, Cambridge City had to settle for a second 0-0 draw in succession. On this occasion, they came up against an inspired performance from Long Sutton’s England Masters goalkeeper Lorraine Wells, who was unbeatable on the day.

In the East Men’s League Premier Division, Cambridge City continued their perfect and entertaining start to the campaign with a 6-3 home win over Saffron Walden.

It was a game to remember for Nat Farrant, who after breaking the deadlock inside the first minute, went on to score four goals.

Sam Rutter and Josh Biddlecombe were also on target for City, who are level on points with leaders Ipswich.

In the East Men’s League Division 1 North, the lead changed hands on three occasions as Cambridge City II came out on top 4-3 in their home encounter against Spalding.

Chris Graham, James Pitchford, Karandeep Mann and Ethan Martinez-McCune all found the back of the net for City.

Meanwhile, in the East Men’s League Division 3 North West, there were victories for Cambridge City III and IV.

City III beat Wisbech Town III 3-2 via goals from Ollie Ruffle, Sam Grimshaw and Barnaby Warr, while Doug Williamson bagged the only goal for City IV in their 1-0 win over St Ives II.

However, it was not such a positive afternoon for Cambridge City V after they lost 3-1 at home to St Neots II in the East Men’s League Division 4 North West. Jacob Malik scored what turned out to be a consolation goal for City.