Hockey round-up: Long Sutton 1st relegated after losing seven-goal thriller

Long Sutton 1st have been relegated from East Men’s Hockey League Division One after going down 4-3 at home to Old Southendian 1st on Saturday.

Josh Fyson (2) and Daniel Batten netted for Sutton at the Peele Leisure Centre, but their 14th defeat from 18 games this season sees Sutton slip into Division 2NW next year.

Also staring relegation in the face are Spalding 1st, who were held to a 2-2 draw by fellow strugglers Blueharts 1st.

The away side scrambled an opener just before the break at Glen Park, then added a second early in the second period.

However, Josh Rowbottom managed to find the back of the net to reduce the scoreline and Lawrence Smith-Hughes then found space to force home an equaliser.

It was all Spalding in the latter stages, but they couldn’t find a winner – so stay bottom of the pile.

Down in Division 3NW, rock-bottom Spalding 3rd were handed a 13-0 reverse by leaders Kettering 1st.

Spalding 2nd also took on high-flying opponents in March 1st – and they suffered a 6-2 reverse despite strikes from Pete Wright and Ryan Mountney.

In Division 4NW, Long Sutton 2nd romped to a super 8-2 home victory over Cambridge City 5th.

Nick Ellis led the charge with a hat-trick, while Sam Markillie, Jacob Synott, Harry Synott, Will Taylor and Josh Ripley also got in on the act to send Sutton fourth in the table.

Also on winning form were Spalding 4th in Division 5NW.

They picked up a 3-0 victory at March Town 2nd as Stuart Ruskin came out of retirement to slot home a couple of goals.

There was also a welcome return by George Swindell, which helped to strengthen the midfield. Darren Willson added Spalding’s third in a dominant second half performance which moved them up to fourth in the standings.

In Division 6NW (N), Ian White’s strike secured Long Sutton 3rd a 1-1 draw at Bourne Deeping 6th.

• Spalding Poachers 1st roared to a mighty 4-0 victory over St Ives 2nd in East Women’s Hockey League Division 2NW on Saturday.

After a goalless first period, a reverse ball from Claire Hindmarsh found Amy Wells’ in the D to volley home the first.

Goals then came thick and fast, as Macy Carr battled her way through the entire St Ives defence and smashed home another.

A peak run from Zoe Smith Moore up the wing and a well-timed pass saw Ellie Holland use her quick stick skills to outwit her opposing number and make a third, with Karen Timby launching in a rocket for the fourth.

Long Sutton 1st, meanwhile, drew 2-2 at CoP 2nd thanks to strikes from Leah Goodley and Lisa Baker.

In Division 3NW, Spalding Poachers 2nd drew 1-1 at Haverhill 1st after an Emma Gent effort, while Long Sutton 2nd lost 3-0 at at CoP 4th in Division 4NW (N).