Gazette hockey review: Fylde Men stretch lead at top of league and a welcome win for Lytham St Annes

Lytham St Annes Men recorded a most welcome win over Didsbury Northern Picture: MARTIN BOSTOCK

Fylde Men pulled four points clear at the top of West three with a resounding 5-1 win over mid-table Bowdon at Mill Farm.

They soon found their momentum as Jordan Payne received Simon Major’s pass to fire under the keeper.

Captain Major then took James Oakes’ pass and drove into the D to smash the second into the corner. Bowdon pulled one back following a slip but Fylde responded by piling on more pressure.

Simon Thomas applied the finishing touch for the third and Josh Boyne expertly flicked home a penalty corner to make it 4-1 at half-time.

Fylde used the second half to try some new formations and Nick Rainbow impressed with a series of one-on-one saves.

Payne wrongfooted the keeper to complete the scoring with his second.

Second-placed Timperley slipped up again as Fylde stretched their lead with a game in hand. Fylde face Eirias and third-placed city of Manchester in a double-header next weekend.

Fylde will face Wigan in the final of the Lancashire Trophy next month after Prescot forfeited their semi.

The Conference North season resumed after a long break for Fylde Ladies with a 1-0 win at Cannock.

Fylde had won their last two games before Christmas but needed time to settle in this tough Midlands clash.

It was only in the second half that Fylde began to threaten, captain Sophia Crawshay opening up space at the top of the circle to fire the winning goal into the bottom left corner. Fylde began to manage the game, even coping while two players down, before celebrating a win which lifted them to fifth.