Report: Whitley Bay Beacons 1-2 Guildford Lightning

Whitley Bay Beacons lost their third consecutive Elite Division game as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against Guilford Lightning.

Cara Jones gave the visitors the lead 17 minutes into the first period.

After a scoreless second period, Isabelle Egginton doubled the Lightning’s lead nine minutes into the third period.

Stephanie Towns got one back for Whitley in the 13th minute of the third period but the Beacons were unable to find an equaliser.

Whitley Bay will be frustrated with their performance in front of goal, having been the better side in the game but only managing to score once.

Near the end of the first period, Casey Traill appeared to have made a crucial intervention, blocking a Guildford shot with her stick but she was only able to deflect the puck off the boards to Cara Jones who scored for Guildford.

A chaotic scramble in front of the Whitley saw several blocked shots before the puck fell to Eggington who was able to extend her side’s lead halfway through the third period.

Four minutes later, Whitley finally found a goal when Abigail Culshaw was tripped in front of the Guildford goal, but not before she was able to lay the puck off to Towns who fired home.

Even as the Beacons pulled their goaltender with 26 seconds left to bring on another attacker, Guildford’s defence held strong to prevent Whitley from getting any chances in the game’s closing moments.