Double Header weekend stretches run to 17 wins.

SOUTHGATE 1  -  2  BEESTON 

Beeston increased their lead at the top of the Men’s Hockey League with a comfortable 2-1 win over top London Premier opposition, Southgate.

On a Baltic day both sides struggled to play flowing hockey although the Bees were always in the driving seat.  Beeston took the lead in the 22nd minute after a dazzling right wing run by Adam Dixon was neatly executed by Ben Arnold.

Southgate had the chance to equalise in the 34th but the chance was squandered by Callum Burden.

The half ended with the Bees in front but the game was frustrating as Beeston grappled with the bitterly cold weather and Southgate’s defensive tactics.

Beeston extended the lead in the 40th minute when Adam Dixon flicked home Beeston’s second penalty corner.

Southgate kept the crowd interested when a good right wing attack was finished off by Simeon Bird from close range.  Beeston weathered the brief Southgate storm with some good goalkeeping by George Pinner, and the Bees increased their lead at the top of the Premiership

BOWDON 2   -  6  BEESTON

Beeston moved North on Sunday to meet MHL Northern Conference Leaders, Bowdon in Round 3 of the England Hockey Cup.  The Cup holders, Beeston were without 8 of the team playing against Southgate as they all reported for England training, at Bisham Abbey, on Sunday morning.

The Bees took an early 3rd minute lead when Sam Dixon hammered home Beeston’s opening penalty corner. Ten minutes later, Dan Webster on his Beeston debut, beat two players and his neat pass was swept home by Matt Taylor. Bowdon pulled one back just before the half time break when Landon Morley flicked home from Bowdon’s second penalty corner.

Beeston put the game to bed after half time with two penalty corner strikes in three minutes from Sam Dixon and Gordon McIntyre. Morley pulled one back for the home side in the 60th minute before Beeston added two more in the closing stages from Martin Jones and Richard Lawrence.

Ireland international, Tim Lewis, who played in both games, commented, “It was a difficult weekend but we came through it with flying colours. We have now played 17 games this season and won them all, scoring 124 goals. We now move onto the local derby against Loughborough Students and we need to prepare thoroughly for this one, if we are to increase our lead at the top of the table.”

Beeston meet Loughborough on Friday 2nd November 8.00pm at Loughborough University.