Announcements

ST HELENS and Prescot hockey sides enter the second half of their campaigns this Saturday.

They do so from varying platforms laid in the period leading up to Christmas.

Prescot, currently seventh in North West Men’s Hockey League Division One, host sixth-placed City of Manchester at Sutton Leisure Centre.

Only the table toppers Knutsford and third-placed Keswick have scored more goals than Prescot so far, but the amount of goals they have leaked – just over three per game – has arguably cost them a higher placing on the ladder at this stage.

Victory over Manchester, who have the best defensive average in the division, would see Prescot climb at least one place.

St Helens’ men are currently challenging for the leadership of Division Five North South and have an intriguing pair of contests to open 2018.

Saturday’s trip to eighth-placed Bury seconds precedes a home clash with Prescot men’s seconds at Selwyn Jones Sports Centre a week later.

Firstly, a win against Bury could pull them level on points with leaders Horwich depending on other results, though St Helens’ goal difference is significantly inferior at this point.

Prescot seconds, currently 10th out of 12 teams, visit Horwich on Sunday.

Goals have been hard to come by for Prescot ladies’ seconds in Greater Manchester League Division One.

Having managed two goals and one win from eight games so far, they ended 2017 bottom of the table and preparing to welcome fourth-placed Manchester Moss Park to Sutton Leisure Centre on Satrurday.

On Sunday the thirds, currently top of Greater Manchester Division Four, entertain Didsbury Northern’s sevenths at Sutton Leisure Centre.