OLD Halesonians Hockey Club suffered a second defeat in as many weeks with an agonising 4-3 loss at home to South Nottingham.

Hales have fallen to sixth in the table with five games of the Midlands Division 1 season remaining and are now just four points from the drop, as South Nottingham closed the gap in Midlands Division One.

Old Hales started poorly, and the visitors found themselves 1-0 down before striker Tom Bulteel brought the scores level. Paul Woodall then gave Halesowen a 2-1 lead at the break.

However, South Nottingham scored twice in quick succession before Graham Knight brought the scores level once again.

At 3-3, the game was still anybody’s for the taking, and the visitors were able to take advantage from some slack defending, as an unchallenged shot found the net past Hales keeper Steve Charlton.

Tempers flared in the final moments of the game, when Paul Harrold was yellow carded and sent to the sin-bin and Hales had to attempt a comeback with just 10 men.

Despite throwing everything forward, they were unable to find another equaliser. Hales travel to local rivals Stourport this Saturday.