Milton Keynes 2 Eastcote 1

Eastcote have ground to make up in the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional Hockey League after suffering a potentially fatal defeat in their top of the table clash away to Milton Keynes.

The sides went into the clash level on points but free-scoring Milton Keynes emerged from it in pole position after striking twice in the opening 20 minutes.

The Boars came under pressure from the first whistle and the double strike meant they had to chase the game.

Eastcote gradually got into the match and by half-time they were giving as good as they got, although they still trailed 2-0.

They produced some good attacking play after the break but with Simon Archer and Paddy Ashton receiving temporary suspensions for yellow cards their task became even harder.

Eastcote finally pulled a goal back with eight minutes left when James O'Shea scored his sixth league goal of the season with a deflection from a short corner, but the visitors were unable to create another opportunity in a hectic finale.

Defeat left the Boars three points off the pace in fourth place and while there are still plenty of games left including the return fixture from Milton Keynes, they cannot afford any more slips if they are to claim the only available promotion place.

On Saturday Eastcote visit mid-table Maidenhead and on Sunday they entertain Worthing in an England Hockey Trophy second round game.

Elsewhere the second team lost 6-3 at West Hampstead despite leading 3-1 at

half-time which included a marvellous move finished off by a sublime Ian Sadler flick. Wins for the thirds, fourths, Simbas, fifths and sevenths lifted club spirits.

WOMEN: Eastcote 2 Sunbury 2

DRAW specialists Eastcote were held to a point for the fourth game out of five in Division Two of the South League, this time at home to mid-table rivals Sun-bury.

An early goal from Claire Devereaux gave the Reds the lead as Devereaux beat her defender at the top of the D before finding the net and confidence was high when they made it 2-0 in the second half.

Eastcote worked the ball down the right before Anita Huntley scored from a very tight angle.

The hosts continued to press but could not add to their advantage and when Katy Brown was yellow-carded they found themselves under pressure.

Eastcote held out until they were back at full strength but they were unfortunate to concede a penalty flick for stopping the ball with a foot on the line, which Sunbury converted to halve the deficit.

The visitors then equalised from a short corner in the last minute to leave Eastcote still searching for their first win with a visit from league leaders Surbiton to come on November 8.

Meanwhile, Eastcote did the double over Harrow as the seconds won their clash 3-0 with goals from Kim Spencer-Pell, Claire Carter and Dawn Powell, and the fifth team beat Harrow III 2-1.

The Threes enjoyed a fine 5-0 win over Aces while the Fours went down 3-2 to Hampstead & Westminster VI.