Hockey: Upminster women draw positives after point

Player of the match Riva Siggins was given time and space to press forward from the start, but an early pass into the D was not capitalised on.

Broxbourne took the lead on four minutes, moving the ball out wide and down the line before driving unchallenged into the D for a strike past Charlotte Triggs.

And as both teams battled for midfield control Broxbourne’s quick interceptions had Upminster’s defence under pressure, with a timely tackle by Bella Boyle and a short corner save by Triggs maintaining the status quo.

Driving runs towards the D by Siggins constantly unsettled the Broxbourne defence and in tandem with Lucy Falzon forced several short corners.

But Imogen Hodges and Kerry Hodges were unable to get their efforts on target before being crowded out.

Joint defenders of the match Lauren Slater-Harvey and Triggs denied Broxbourne with controlled tackling and saves, as Boyle’s assured defending also helped the cause.

And quick reactions by Triggs smothered a chance early in the second half, before a drive into the D by Issy Uzal forced a short corner and Slater-Harvey’s strike flew in at the near post to level.

Siggins remained a threat and went close on two occasions, just missing a pass across goal and being closed down by the keeper.

And Upminster’s defensive unit remained resolute at the other end, with strong tackling and astute goalkeeping, to help secure a point.

A four-goal salvo from Ollie Peck helped Upminster 5s maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a 5-2 win over a spirited Old Southendians 5s at Coopers.

Starting with a back three of Steve Woods, Patrick Carroll, and Nick Haunton, Upminster’s bullish strategy paid off early as Matt Malby’s clever through ball set up Peck for his first goal.

Peck doubled Upminster’s lead from a short corner, before Michael Scrivener notched Upminster’s third goal with a far post finish, and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, before the visitors hit back.

After Peck scored his fourth with a reverse stick strike, the second half proved a more even affair, with Southendians breaching the Upminster defence for a second time.

Southendians applied further pressure, with Joe Warren making two one-on-one saves, while midfielders Ryan Davison Pearce and Jake Eade tracked back tirelessly to assist in defence and help close out another victory.

Upminster visit Old Loughtonians 7s next as they seek to continue their winning run.