Promotion charge falters

Newark men’s 1sts hockey team suffered a set-back in their promotion push after they were held to a 1-1 draw away at mid-table Kettering in the East Midlands 2.

Newark are four points clear of Rolls Royce, the only team that can catch them, with two games left.

Kettering made the better start but didn’t convert their chances in a game punctuated by frequent fouls, stoppages and penalties.

Newark went ahead just before half-time when Sam Dixon’s low drag-flick found Josh Dixon at the back-post who deflected the ball into the net.

Kettering responded after half-time and equalised from a penalty corner.

With repeated breaks in play Newark never found their rhythm and, despite creating several goal-scoring chances, couldn’t find the back of the net.

Their cause was not helped by the team being reduced to ten men for the last five minutes, but Sally Halfpenny’s side held on for what could be a valuable point.