Stone Hockey Club 1st XI were hoping to return to winning ways and put their bid for promotion back on track away at Old Halesonians but lost 4-3 in a hard-fought match.
The visitors dominated early possession and looked threatening. Leading goalscorer Jon Allchin hit the post with a powerful drag flick before Tom Boulton opened the scoring with a composed finish after a skilful run from Robbie Smith had set up the chance. However, Stone’s lead was short lived and the home side equalised minutes later as they converted a short corner which had been conceded softly. Midway through the half Old Halesonians took the lead with a strong shot into the bottom corner but Stone levelled before the break through Allchin with a well-placed drag flick into the right corner of the net.
In the second half the game opened up and Stone enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure as the home side found themselves down to 10 men after one of their players was sin binned. But Stone failed to make their advantage count and Old Halesonians counter attacked to win a short corner which they put away against the run of play to make it 3-2. The home team extended their lead with a reverse stick strike and Stone were left to chase the game. Al Platt gave the Enson Lane side late hope with a calm finish from close range but it was a case of too little too late for Stone.
