Wattley nets winning goal (From Stourbridge News)

Wattley nets winning goal

12:00pm Friday 1st March 2013 in Sport

A CHRIS Wattley strike earned Old Halesonians Hockey Club a 1-0 win at Aldridge and Walsall.

The Wassell Grove side have now won five on the bounce as they chase promotion.

Old Hales started the game at a high tempo and dominated possession and territory, though they initially found it tough to breach the home defence.

Tom Bulteel saw an early chance go begging but then played a crucial part in the only goal of the game, driving along the baseline to draw the keeper before slipping the ball to Wattley who lifted the ball into the net.

The visiting defence came under increased pressure during the second half but keeper Alex Fraser stood tall to keep his clean sheet, while Josh Randhawa and Harry Hughes both went close to giving Hales extra breathing room.

With four games of the season left Hales have a double header next weekend, hosting Tamworth on Saturday before travelling to Old Silhillians on Sunday.

The seconds endured a mixed weekend as they continue to fight for survival.

Despite losing 3-0 at home to Bridgnorth on Saturday, they bounced back with a 1-0 victory over North Stafford 24 hours later.

Mike Wattley’s second half goal was enough to claim a win which leaves the seconds two points from safety, with a game in hand.

This weekend they travel to Telford, the team directly above them in the standings.

The third XI banished any lingering relegation fears with a fine 3-2 win over promotion chasing Lichfield.

After soaking up considerable pressure, Hales grabbed the lead through Steve Butler.

Lichfield hit back to equalise but Adam Hill restored Hales’ advantage, before the visitors grabbed their second of the game to square things up at 2-2. Hill then bagged his second and the winner with 15 minutes to go.

Old Hales fourths claimed a narrow 1-0 win at Edgbaston, though there was disappointment for the fifths who lost 6-1 at Hampton-in-Arden.

The Ladies first XI won 6-2 at Old Silhilians, while the seconds lost 3-2 at home to Kidderminster.