Market Drayton battle past Oswestry in a thrilling derby clash

Market Drayton battled to a 3-2 victory over Oswestry in an entertaining encounter in Midlands Men’s Hockey League Division Seven North West.

Drayton fell behind after nine minutes when a loose pass allowed an Oswestry forward to fire home.

The hosts responded well and equalised in the 14th minute through Matthew Kenvyn, who converted a rebound. Jos Parsons then finished a well-delivered cross in the 27th minute to put Drayton ahead.

However, Oswestry levelled almost immediately from a penalty flick after goalkeeper Dave Poole was penalised for a late challenge.

Drayton dominated possession after the break and finally found a breakthrough in the 53rd minute, when Jordan Chevins finished after neat passing opened up the visitors’ defence.

The Buccaneers had a tough time away, losing 9-1 to Keele University, while the Scallywags went down 8-0 against Bloxwich.

Newport Women

Newport maintained their unbeaten start to the Midlands Women’s Hockey League Division Four North West season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cannock 3s.

The sides battled through a goalless first half, with both defences standing firm in a competitive encounter.

Newport found the breakthrough two minutes into the second half when a superb ball out of defence picked out Molly Leonard. She drove forward into the D before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper in the 47th minute.

Cannock pushed for an equaliser and applied late pressure, including a short corner, but Newport defended resolutely to secure all three points.

The victory leaves Newport second in the table on goal difference.

The women’s seconds won 11-0, with Fiona Johnson (three), Myiah and Minnie Johnson (two each), Catrin Jones, Imogen Boyle, Elia Roman and Violet Matthews scoring.

The thirds lost 4-0 to Stafford thirds, while the development side drew 1-1 with North Staffs.

Newport Men

Newport maintained their place at the top of Midlands Men’s Division Four West after edging Bromsgrove 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.

Ricky Lally opened the scoring with a penalty-corner drag flick, but Bromsgrove hit back to lead.

Alex O’Keefe, returning after a lengthy absence, inspired Newport with two superb reverse-stick finishes. Liam Dix then converted at the back post before James Godwin volleyed home to give the hosts a 5-2 half-time advantage.

Newport looked comfortable after the break but conceded twice in a nervy finish before securing victory.

The result leaves Newport two points clear of Shrewsbury at the summit.

Newport seconds drew 1-1 with West Brom, Tim Crawford scoring as their unbeaten run reached four games.

The thirds lost 1-0 to Shrewsbury thirds, despite a resolute defensive display, while the fourths beat Beacon fifths 3-0 through Theo Blackham, Caleb Bradley and Martin Hall.

The fifth XI lost 1-0 to Stafford fourths in a friendly, Dan Bradley narrowly missing a late equaliser.