Bishop’s Stortford made the perfect start to the new year with a 3-1 triumph at Potters Bar in East Men’s League, Division 1S.
The leaders, who are bidding to clinch promotion in the second half of the campaign, won multiple short corners in the first half but were unable to convert any of them.
But they did go ahead before the interval in open play when Ross Butler slapped the ball into the net at the end of a counter-attack involving Henry Brooks and Richard Heywood.
Potters Bar’s tactic of leaving an attacker at the top of the D proved effective after the restart as a back pass from Matt Jackaman was intercepted and they equalised.
Stortford responded well and regained the lead when a short corner was drag flicked to the post for Heywood to deflect into the net.
And the table-toppers, who are two points clear at the summit, confirmed the victory when Jack Wheaton converted a penalty flick after the ball had struck a defender’s foot on the line.
Bishop’s Stortford II let a two-goal lead slip as they drew 3-3 at fellow relegation battlers Hertford II in 2SW.
The visitors were the stronger side in the first period and, after several opportunities went begging, they took the lead when Steve Price slotted home a penalty corner.
They continued to carve out chances after the break and Adam Champion doubled their lead with a low reverse-stick strike.
Herford pulled a goal back before the away side restored their two-goal advantage as Paul Kerby deflected the ball over the goalkeeper from a set-piece.
But the hosts gained some momentum and two well-taken penalty corners earned them a share of the spoils.
Stortford and Hertford are two of four sides locked together on 10 points, six clear of basement boys Blueharts III.
Paul Tomlin bagged a hat-trick as Bishop’s Stortford III registered a convincing 5-1 win at Harpenden II in 3SW.
The third-placed visitors, who are five points behind table-topping St Albans IV, took a 10th-minute lead when Jak Bareham teed up Tomlin, but they were pegged back before the interval.
Stortford dominated possession right from the off in the second period and Greg Pettitt restored their lead with a penalty flick after Bareham’s shot had been stopped by a foot on the line.
Toby Warnes, who caused plenty of problems, won a short corner that was converted by Pettitt before Tomlin notched twice to complete his treble and seal the three points.
Bottom side Bishop’s Stortford IV lost 4-1 at home to St Albans VI in 4SW and Bishop’s Stortford V went down 6-1 at Hertford IV in 5SW, but there was better news for Bishop’s Stortford VI as they won 2-1 at home to St Albans X in 7SW.
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