THE force is undeniably with Acomb Hockey Club men’s first XI, who for the second week running hit four goals to underpin a Yorkshire League division four north success when they edged visitors Harrogate III 4-3.

Early pressure was not rewarded until the 18th minute when Harry Ellis forced the ball in from close range.

However, just before half-time Harrogate levelled.

A dramatic opening graced the second half when Matt Dickenson’s fierce strike from the top of the ‘D’ found the net.

Harrogate responded and levelled again midway through the half.

Tangerines’ man of the match Ryan Forster, pictured below, was a persistent thorn in the visitors’ defence, whose goalkeeper made a fantastic save while prone on the ground.

With eight minutes to go, Harrogate took the lead, but the hosts retained their calm and restored parity with a Pete Hilton strike.

Then in the dying seconds Acomb bagged a penalty which was swept home by skipper Baz Whitfield for the victory.

Struggling Acomb second XI prised a valuable division five north point from a 4-4 draw at Bingley Bees 1.

Acomb were soon two goals down before hitting back with a strike from Dylan McChesney just before half-time.

That was the prelude to a superb rally in which astute attacking play from Rob Kendrew and Jonny Brown teed up openings for the impressive man of the match McChesney to complete his hat-trick and fire Acomb ahead. Brown also struck for a 4-2 lead.

But the Bees’ resistance was not broken and the hosts rallied with a brace of goals to share the spoils.