WITNEY Ladies ended the first half of their debut season in English hockey’s second tier with a 3-1 defeat at high-flying Sevenoaks.

The Kent side are among three teams tied at the top of the table on 21 points.

Despite a strong start from Witney, it was the hosts that took the lead early in the second quarter, from a penalty corner.

They went 2-0 up seven minutes before half-time, making it three early in the second half.

Witney’s Abi Flory scored her third goal of the season from a penalty corner that was deflected in off a defender’s foot midway through the fourth quarter, after Chloe Williams was fouled in the shooting circle.

Witney return to action after the winter break on February 4, when they face league leaders Isca & University of Exeter.