Bowdon - Away

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BOWDON 2-2 BEESTON

Beeston took the lead after 10 minutes in this National League Premiership fixture in Manchester following a pacey run by Chris Seddon and a clever finish by the inventive Martin Jones.

Beeston may have the best defensive record in the European Hockey League this season, but their defence looked asleep on two occasions during this England Hockey League encounter and they were punished by two goals from Simon Egerton in three minutes, half way through the second half.

As the second half proceeded, the umpiring, at times puzzled the players. The game became amusing if not fractious, three yellow cards were produced, players questioned numerous decisions and the rain dampened the spirit of the bemused spectators. Beeston felt hard done to, Bowdon felt hard done to, and Bowdon looked to have grabbed all the points.

Beeston's penalty corner routine misfired and numerous chances went missing, but the equaliser eventually arrived in glorious fashion. Martin Jones, who has been on fire this season, sped from the half way line with the ball and rocketed home a reverse side strike in the 58th minute to give Beeston a share of the points.