HOCKEY: BLOSSOMFIELD boosted promotion hopes from the MRHA West Midlands Premier League at the weekend, beating third placed Stafford 2-0.
Chances came at a premium in the opening half as both teams found their feet in this ‘post-Christmas’ contest.
The home team had enjoyed the majority of possession with Bloss ruing the failure to seize on some of the better chances.
The second half started in a similar fashion, but it was the Solihull team that started to grow in stature and threat as the match wore on.
Good team rotation and increased composure through confidence and fitness saw Bloss take the lead as Matt Kettley struck from a well worked short corner.
The lead never looked like being surrendered and in the closing stages a second goal was added by Oliver Davis to seal a successful away trip and put a six point gap between the top two teams and the rest of the West Midlands Premier league.
Elsewhere Blossomfield 2s defeated Stafford 2s 4-2 at home.
Bloss started off as the better of the two teams, but were unable to go ahead during the early stages.
Midway through the first half, Bloss grabbed the lead as a short corner was deflected into the path of Paul Russell at the near post to sweep home.
Stafford were quick to respond however, and grabbed two quick goals either side of half time to lead.
Bloss responded well, but Stafford were strong at the back and kept Bloss out for a good period of time.
However, Bloss didn’t give in and Paul Russell’s cross was converted by Andy Rice to equalise, before Camron Mowat’s shot hit the post, only for Paul Russell to finish it off.
Russell grabbed his hat-trick just minutes afterwards as the Stafford keeper deflected the ball into his path for a simple finish.
