Canterbury Ladies remain three points off the top of Investec National Premier Division after recording a 1-0 win at the University of Birmingham.

After a goalless first-half the deadlock was broken midway through the second half when Mel Clewlow converted a penalty corner, which proved enough to secure the city club’s fifth win in eight league games.

Holcombe maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign as a blistering first-half paved the way for a 4-1 win at Reading.

Lauren Osborn opened the scoring on 13 minutes and Lucy Wood bagged two in eight minutes, the second from the penalty spot, before GB international Laura Unsworth added the fourth two minutes before the break.

Charlotte Daly did pull one back from a penalty corner on 45 minutes but Holcs cruised to their fourth win of the season.

Surbiton remain three points clear at the top with only a point separating Canterbury from fourth-placed Holcombe, though there is now a five-point gap to fifth-placed University of Birmingham.

Holcs were however ousted from the Investec National Cup 3-1 at home to Surbiton on Sunday.

Canterbury’s men slipped to the bottom of the NOW: Pensions National Premier Division after a 5-0 drubbing at Wimbledon on Sunday.

The city club had an early reprieve as Phil Roper saw a penalty stroke saved by returning keeper Simon Triggs after just four minutes but Steven Ebbers opened the scoring 13 minutes later and Roper made it 2-0 three minutes before the break from a penalty corner.

Ben Hawes converted from the spot on 49 minutes to make it three and James Osborn and Roper added the final two goals in the final 90 seconds.

Canterbury were overhauled by basement-boys Brooklands Manchester University who produced an incredible comeback from 4-0 down to overcome Reading 5-4.