MDHC 1st vs Leek 4th

Market Drayton 1s 3–0 Leek 4s

Market Drayton travelled to Leek missing several key first-team regulars and with just 11 players available. Drayton knew possession would be key, and for the opening 15 minutes they controlled the game well.

Mike Chevins moved into left-back, with James Coggins switching to centre-back to add strength to the back four. The defensive unit worked well together, moving the ball confidently and controlling large portions of the game. Both teams started tentatively, and despite several probing runs, the deadlock remained unbroken until Drayton raised the tempo. A series of short, sharp passes carved open the Leek defence, allowing Euan Hurst to tap in at the back post and score on his first-ever hockey appearance.

Leek looked to respond but struggled to find a way through the well-organised Drayton back line, leaving the visitors with a deserved 1–0 lead at half-time.

Leek’s second-half strategy was clear: press high and force Drayton into mistakes. However, the Market Drayton defence remained composed and alert. Drayton began to press higher themselves, and a defensive error allowed Jordan Chevins through on goal. After a nice exchange with Nick Cooper, he blasted the ball past the Leek goalkeeper in the 49th minute to double the lead. With a two-goal cushion, Drayton settled into their rhythm, moving the ball around confidently and continuing to dictate play. Steve Lloyd added a third in the 58th minute, and Drayton controlled proceedings through to the final whistle to secure an impressive 3–0 victory.

Dave Poole recorded his third clean sheet in four games, underlining how the defensive changes made over the summer are already paying dividends in the early stages of the season.

Market Drayton face Oswestry 1s next Saturday at Wrekin College, looking to continue their positive start to the campaign.