WINNINGTON Park kept alive their hopes of finishing runners-up to champions Knutsford after dispatching second-placed Didsbury Northern seconds last Saturday.

Pete Evans stayed calm to convert from a short-corner, while at the other end goalkeeper John-Paul Dodd preserved his side’s lead with a fins save.

The outcome was settled with 15 minutes left when star man Josh Guy applied the finishing touch to another rehearsed set-piece.

A double-header this weekend, which includes a long trip to Keswick on Sunday, provides a chance for the Northwich side to enter the campaign’s concluding round in second spot.

Park’s seconds lost 2-0 at Alderley Edge fourths, who scored a goal in each half.

The visitors dominated after the interval, with man-of-the-match Robin Ayres prominent, but didn’t take any of the opportunities they created.

Winnington thirds’ promotion hopes took a hit when they went down 5-1 at University of Chester.

They trailed 2-0 at half-time, and conceded three times during a 10-minute spell in the second period to leave them playing catch-up.

Goalkeeper Jake Spencer-Kellett’s defiance prevented a heavier defeat for the visitors, while James Egerton netted a consolation.

Harrison Austin was an emergency goalkeeper for Park’s fourths, who proved too strong for Whitchurch seconds.

Liam McKee claimed all of their goals in a 5-1 victory, taking his total for the season beyond 40.

His side will be guaranteed a top-three finish in Division Eight South West if they can avoid defeat this weekend.

Fixtures

North West Men’s Hockey League

Saturday, March 17

Division One (11.30am): Bowdon 3rd v Winnington Park.

Division Four South (2pm): Winnington Park 2nd v Bowdon 4th.

Division Seven South West (12.30pm): Winnington Park 3rd v Mossley Hill 3rd.

Division Eight South West (3pm): Runcorn 3rd v Winnington Park 4th.

Sunday, March 18

Division One (12.45pm): Keswick v Winnington Park.