Oxton Hockey Club overcome Newcastle University

Sep 30 2009 by James Connor, Birkenhead News

OXTON Hockey club mens 1st team commenced their Northern Premier League campaign with a trip to Newcastle University. Oxton were without several regulars so on paper this was going to be a tough encounter.

Oxton started brightly as Nik Heyes made good use of the right hand side creating chances in the first ten minutes.

The away side continued to create and it was Oxton who took the lead when Dave Bailey deflected a cross from Heyes into the net to finish well.

A few minutes later it was 2-0 as Ali Mckenzie opened his account with a power drive into the bottom corner after a good pick up and turn. He wasn’t finished there, as soon he added his second with a sweet reverse stick chip confusing the Newcastle keeper.

3-0 up at half time, Oxton were hoping for much of the same in the second half. Although they did concede one 10 minutes after the re- start, Oxton were rarely troubled at the back and looked dangerous going forward as Oxton continued to play a simple passing game.

McKenzie added his third with less than 10 minutes remaining and Sion Owen finished a penalty corner routine well just before the final whistle to give a very pleasing 5-1 victory.

Oxton continue their tough start to the season this coming Saturday when they travel to Hull who historically are tough to beat on their home patch.

In comparison to the firsts, the men’s seconds made the short trip to take on Neston South Wirral first team. A lively encounter saw Neston become 5-3 winners, Alex Lamb, Tom Hughes and Alex Muir were the Oxton goalscorers. The third team entertained Lytham seconds and got off to a fine start to their season Simon Stokes netting four goals in a 6-1 rout. There were also wins for the fourths, sixths and seventh teams.

The ladies first team made the trip to Alderley Edge but unfortunately came away empty handed, the game ending 2-0 to the home side. Oxton will hope for better luck when they take on Marple this coming Saturday. For more information visit www.oxtonhc.co.uk.