Doncaster hockey men stave off threat of relegation from National League

Victory saw the Town Field club move up to fifth in Conference North and they could break into the top four by beating bottom side Leek at home on Sunday.

After consecutive away defeats Doncaster were determined to start strongly and they did just that as Travis Cresswell’s inch perfect cross was brilliantly deflected home by Andy Appleton in the third minute.

Doncaster continued to press forward and only the heroics of Tom Marshall in the Deeside goal kept his side in the game, while his opposite number Ashley Watson was a virtual spectator.

The relentless pressure eventually took its toll and in the 20th minute Matt Gibson’s penalty corner goal made it 2-0.

Two minutes later Cresswell burst clear again and he calmly drew Marshall out before slipping the ball to James Wright to score his first Doncaster goal.

Doncaster continued to control the game in the second half and although Deeside did come more into the game they never really caused too much anxiety in the home ranks.

Mid-way through the half man-of-the-match Cresswell set up James Gunthorpe to add a fourth goal to complete the scoring.

n Doncaster’s ladies’ promotion hopes were ended following a 3-1 defeat at Northern Premier Division leaders Fylde.

The hosts took control of the game and led 3-0 at the break.

Doncaster started the second period on the front foot and Bexx Woods scored a well deserved goal with a neat finish but Fylde defended well and ran out winners.