Battling Cannock fight for draw against Oxton

After relegation from the top flight of English hockey last term, Cannock had lost their first two games of the new season but drew 3-3 in this one thanks to a late Matt Plunkett goal.

Chris Beck scored the other two goals for the maroon men.

On getting off the mark, club captain Alex Hill said: "We were unlucky to not get anything the week before against Deeside.

"They parked the bus in that match so to battle our way through and get a point right at the end of this game was a relief."

Cannock travel to Doncaster on Sunday and Hill added: "The draw at Oxton gives us a bit of momentum. We have lost lads to Premier Division clubs over the summer and we have kept four or five and brought some lads back.

"The first challenge this year was to stabilise after such a tough season.

"Hopefully we can get some more points on the board now and start pushing towards the top half of the table."

In the Midlands Premier, Lichfield kept up their unbeaten run.

The side, who face table-topping Belper on Saturday and were relegated from the Conference North at the end of last season, drew 0-0 with Barford Tigers.

Despite George Southall getting on the scoresheet, Stourport lost 2-1 to Harborne.

They will look to right the wrongs from that game as they travel to Bournville.

North Stafford, who are readying for a clash with Loughborough Town, remain winless but drew 3-3 at Worcester.

In Midlands One, Stone were on the losing end in a nine-goal thriller.

Goals from Aaron Cope and Lloyd Morris-Fletcher, along with George Mellor's brace, were not enough as they lost their first game of the season 5-4 at Sutton Coldfield.

They face Warwick on Saturday while Old Halesonians, who started their term with a 2-1 loss to Bridgnorth, face Barton.

In the West Midlands Premier, Aldridge & Walsall beat Market Drayton 3-2.

Alex Dallaway's double and a Dom Boniface strike sealed the win for the side who face Kings Heath Pickwick next.

Bloxwich, who play Solihull Blossomfield, won by the same scoreline at Sikh Union.

Stafford won 2-1 against Solihull and are preparing for the visit of Bromsgrove.

Wolverhampton & Tettenhall claimed a 1-0 win against bitter rivals Old Wulfrunians in West Midlands One.

The winners face Evesham & Badsay next, with Wulfs hoping to recover as they host Pershore. West Bromwich, who travel to Newtown, enjoyed a 7-2 success against Evesham & Badsey.

Stourport dropped to fourth in the Women's Conference West after a 1-1 draw at Swansea.