Oxton suffer a late scare

Oct 6 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

OXTON Hockey club Men’s played both on Saturday and Sunday in the Northern Premier League and HA Cup.

The season’s first home league game was against old rivals Preston who enjoyed all the pressure in the opening stages. This pressure was rewarded with a penalty flick but goalkeeper Olly Green wasn’t troubled as the penalty was put wide.

Oxton gradually established a foothold in the game, and after Dave Given’s goal-bound effort was blocked by a defender’s body, the resultant penalty was calmly finished by skipper Gordon Moore to give Oxton a 1-0 lead. Preston remained a constant threat with their snappy passing and they quickly equalised after a good move opened up Oxton’s defence allowing a Preston forward a simple finish. Oxton maintained their composure and Given’s clever through ball was met by Fraser Eaton, using all his experience to arrive unmarked and fire home to restore Oxton’s lead.

In the second half Oxton built on the momentum they had created and went 2-1 ahead through Ben Russell from a rebound at a short corner. As Preston started to lose shape, Oxton won another short corner which Sam Cooke drilled home to give them a commanding 4-1 lead. However, Oxton began to lose focus with the game seemingly won defensive mistakes from previous weeks surfaced and Preston scored two late goals - but Oxton still finished deserved 4-3 winners.

On Sunday, Oxton entertained Urmston in the HA Cup. The Wirral team got off to a flying start, dominating proceedings and only allowing Urmston a couple of chances on the break - by half time Oxton were leading 3-0 with goals from Ali Mackenzie, Dave Bailey and Ali Parkes, scoring on his debut. Further goals were added by Gordon Moore, Dave Given, Sam Cooke and Mackenzie scoring his second, leaving Oxton runaway 7-0 winners and through to the next round.