WINNINGTON Park men's 1sts first game back in the North Hockey League after a two year absence ended in a 2-1 defeat against Wigan.

But it has provided evidence that Park should be able to hold their own against many of the teams in the division.

In a tight and closely fought game it was Wigan who drew first blood.

The winger, attacking down the left flank, made it to the baseline and was able to pull the ball back to the centre forward, who slotted it past goalkeeper John-Paul Dodd to make it 1-0.

Park fought back quickly and pressured the Wigan circle for extended periods, with Dennis Topping creating their best chance of the opening period.

After receiving the ball on the right hand side, Topping skipped past two defenders and fired a shot from the top of the circle, only to see the ball fizz across the face of goal to go just wide of the far post.

That was as good as it got for Park in the first half, as they reached the break still trailing by a single goal.

Winnington started the second half brightly, pushing Wigan back as they searched for an equaliser.

However, Wigan held out and punished Park further after converting a penalty corner to increase their lead mid-way through the half.

Shortly afterwards, Park were handed a lifeline when Dave Hunt scored a superb individual goal to set up a tense final to the game.

Hunt looked to be lining up for a shot with his reverse stick, but skilfully turned the ball over to his strong side, leaving the defender stranded in the process.

With just the goalkeeper to beat, Hunt lobbed the ball high over the keeper who could then only watch as the ball dropped down just below the crossbar into the top right corner.

In the end, the goal proved to be a consolatory one, as Wigan resolutely defended their goal to hold out for their first win in league hockey since February.

l WINNINGTON Park men's 2nds had their game at Oxton 4ths all but wrapped up after only half an hour as they raced to a 3-0 lead with goals from Sam Jones, Paul Stackhouse and John Lavin.

And but for a short spell at the start of the second period, when Oxton pulled a goal back, Winnington were completely in control of this game.

What little hope the hosts had of salvaging a point from the match disappeared after a good individual goal from Sam Jones, beating two defenders and rounding the keeper to notch Park's fourth and his second of the day.

l THIS Saturday sees the 1sts entertain Lytham St Anne's at Sir John Deane's College with push back at 2.10pm.

The 2nds have a 1:30pm start at Moss Farm for the derby match against Knutsford 2nds.