Hockey
Kingfishers are off the mark

By Liam Moakes Thursday 15 November 2012 Updated: 22/11 12:09

Buy photos » Paul Markham leaves his Finchfield opponent clutching at thin air. Photo 4612009MMR1.

REDDITCH earned their first point of the West Midlands Premier Division season as they fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw at home to second placed Finchfield on Saturday.

The game started openly but Redditch, despite having some good early possession, found themselves behind.

After more good chances for the Reds they drew level thanks to a great solo effort from Pete Dawson but then, after some dubious yellow cards, it was a case of hanging on until the break.

Richard Sellors put the hosts in front in the second half and towards the end it was advantage Redditch when Jason Ellis-Woodley converted a penalty corner to make it 3-2 to the Reds.

However, just when it looked like a first league win of the season was on the cards, Finchfield equalised with only a few minutes remaining.

It was a strong performance by Redditch and much-improved and they will feel slightly disappointed not to have taken all three points.

With a free Saturday this weekend, Redditch return to action on November 24 when they entertain Shrewsbury.

REDDITCH 2NDS were beaten 4-3 at Droitwich in West Midlands Division One despite making a fine start to the match.

Dave Baker, back from injury, drilled home an early penalty corner and Baker then made an aerial pass through to Steve Dawes, whose finish was clinical and put the visitors 2-0 up.

A controlled but notably high stick stop by a Droitwich player around the halfway line saw Redditch pause but Droitwich proceeded to take advantage and score. Without the whistle, the goal rightly stood, and the hosts had cut their arrears by the break.

The turning point in the game came when a penalty corner early in the second half saw a seemingly good Redditch goal disallowed.

Heads dropped a little and Droitwich pounced with two quick goals in quick succession, leaving Redditch trailing 3-2 with 15 minutes left.

Dawes produced a clean reverse shot through the keeper's legs to make it 3-3 but, despite many chances and several very near misses, Redditch were unable to grab a point from the game as they were exploited again by the Droitwich forwards scoring a penalty corner to seal maximum points.

Notable Redditch performances came from Devlin Jacobs in goal, Dave Apperly on his debut this season and Baker.

Liam Jakeman worked tirelessly in midfield, communicating well with man of the match Alex Ward, who was outstanding.

Redditch host Bloxwich tomorrow (3pm).