Mixed fortunes for Doncaster's hockey men

They slumped to a 5-1 defeat at Preston in the EHL North Conference on Saturday.

But they bounced back to record a 5-3 win over local rivals Sheffield on Sunday in the English Hockey Cup.

Doncaster travelled to Preston in good spirits after their opening day victory over Bowdon but they were brought back down to earth by their Lancashire opponents.

When Preston’s David Greenough completed his hat trick midway through the second half the game seemed gone. Daniel West pulled a goal back to briefly give Doncaster hope but late goals from Owen Fletcher and Ben Heywood sent Preston to the top of the table.

Doncaster also fell behind to Sheffield but goals from Tim Shelley and Josh Pettinger put them in front just before half time.

The lead was shortlived as Martin Sutherland was allowed to run unchallenged before smashing the equalizer past Paul Hatton.

Shelley was red-carded for his second mistimed tackle but with ten minutes remaining Pettinger put the ten men ahead. Adam Price equalised again but last gasp goals from Andy Appleton, from a penalty stroke, and Myles Rawlings, via a penalty corner, sent Doncaster through to the next round.

n Doncaster’s Ladies won 1-0 against Whitley Bay thanks to a goal from Fiona Bolland. Abby O’Neill was player of the match.