Folkestone Optimists Ladies kept the pressure on the leading clubs in the East Women’s Hockey League, Division 1S after thrashing strugglers Stevenage 7-1 on Saturday.

Third-placed Ops are now just a point behind second placed Sevenoaks 2nds and they’ll be looking to repeat the 7-1 win over Stevenage when they travel to bottom placed Gravesend this weekend.

Folkestone dominated throughout and after a succession of early short corners, skipper Jo Creek put her team ahead.

Creek’s cross was deflected in at the far post by Lucy Anderson to double the lead and Nicki Timmins made it 3-0.

The visitors pulled one back before the break but the half-time score was 4-1 as Polly Wittleton slotted one home.

The second half was straightforward as goals from Janet Fadagio (2) and Timmins wrapped up the win.