Hockey 1sts make it seven in a row

Newark produced a brilliant hockey performance to keep their promotion hopes alive after beating second-placed Buxton 3-0 away from home.

The visitors always looked more comfortable and their calm use of the ball saw them dominate possession and create good chances.

Sam Smith made a great run down the left and cut in from the baseline before squaring for Steve Littlewood to dive in and hit the ball home.

Smith was again the provider for the second goal when he found Nick Crouch in space to finish with aplomb.

Buxton, who beat Newark 2-1 in the season’s curtain-raiser, tried to fight back in the second-half but Newark didn’t give anything away to their struggling hosts.

The win was completed when Crouch poached another goal from close range to leave Newark unbeaten in seven games.

They sit sixth in the table, eight points behind Buxton, who occupy the second promotion spot.