Hull 0-3 Oxton Hockey

Mar 16 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

OXTON men’s first team travelled to Hull in the Northern Premier Hockey League and in a rather over physical encounter, were 3-0 winners.

There is no doubt that if their forwards had shown more composure in front of goal the margin of victory would have been much higher.

Oxton took control from the off, spreading the ball round with confidence and the only surprise was that it took 15 minutes for them to take the lead, Ali McKenzie deflecting the ball past the home keeper after good work from Jonathan Hodgkinson.

Ten minutes later Oxton doubled their lead when Gordon Moore converted a penalty after he had been cynically fouled in the area. With the visitors in complete control they were unlucky to lose influential midfielder Dave Given with a serious hand injury just before half-time.

However, his loss did not prove crucial as youngster Tom Hughes stepped up and turned in an excellent performance in the centre of midfield.

In the second half Oxton continued to create numerous chances before they made the game safe with a simple but well worked goal.

Sam Cooke’s pass out of defence was diverted by Nik Heyes to Moore who banged in his 21st goal of the season.

In fact, despite carrying a hamstring injury the Oxton skipper probably had one of his best games of the season.

NICK FLYNN