Neston South Wirral Hockey 4-4 West Derby

Nov 4 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NESTON South Wirral remain the only unbeaten side in North West Division 1, after an enthralling 4-4 draw at second placed West Derby.

With West Derby having the best goal scoring record in the division and Neston the best defensive record, something had to give, and although Neston's defence suffered slightly, they will be content with a point after a tempestuous game.

The Parkgate men again started positively, with Dutchman Van Der Ouderraa firing them into an early lead at a penalty corner.

West Derby were strangely subdued, and Neston deservedly went 2-0 up when Khedun tapped in from McNeight's pass.

Against the run of play, the hosts pulled one back after slack defensive work from Neston, and they levelled when Ryan's flick flew into the top corner.

In the second period, the game became increasingly niggly, with Neston the victims in some fairly unpleasant off the ball incidents, but Donnelly settled the visitors’ nerves to put them ahead from close range.

West Derby bagged a controversial equaliser when Baxter's long range shot was allowed to stand. The home side went ahead with five minutes left, but Van Der Ouderraa grabbed a point when he rounded the keeper.