Mark Gleghorne celebrates the Bees equalising goal against Wimbledon. Photo c/o David Kissman
England Hockey Men’s Premier League
Beeston 1 – 1 Wimbledon
23rd September, Nottingham Hockey Centre
The game was live streamed by Match Home and 10,500 people tuned in to watch it.
Article – England Hockey.
Reigning champions Surbiton started their defence of the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division title in confident fashion with a 6-2 win at Canterbury.
Alan Forsyth scored 20 league goals last term and his excellent form showed no signs of stopping as he hit an opening day hat trick.
Luke Taylor, Dave Beckett and Lewis Prosser were amongst the scorers for the visitors who led 5-0 after 39 minutes, before strikes from Craig Boyne and Michal Nowakowski offered some resistance for Canterbury.
Elsewhere, Beeston and Wimbledon had to settle for a point apiece after they drew 1-1.
Wimbledon were league leaders last season before losing out in dramatic style in the play-off final, but took a second half lead thanks to an Iain Lewers penalty stroke.
Beeston hit back just six minutes later, Mark Gleghorne (pictured) converting a penalty corner to open his account for the new season and earn the hosts a share of the spoils.
Sevenoaks’ first ever game in the top flight ended in defeat as they went down 4-1 at home to Reading.
Four goals in 17 second half minutes from Ben Francis, Kiran Patel, Owain Dolan Gray and Ben Boon put the visitors in control, before the prolific Andrew Ross converted a consolation penalty corner in the final minute.
Hampstead & Westminster continued on from their first ever top four finish last season with a 4-0 triumph over Brooklands MU.
Rupert Shipperley and Sam French gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break before Stephen Dowds wrapped up the scoring with a second half double.
Meanwhile, East Grinstead saw their home clash against Holcombe postponed.
