A DOUBLE dose of defeat stalled City of York Hockey Club men’s I’s push for survival in the North League premier division.

York lost 4-2 at Brooklands MU II on Saturday and were then edged out 4-3 at Bowden 24 hours later as they slipped back to third from bottom in the table.

Against Brooklands, City of York dominated the opening ten minutes as Alex Cockram hit a post and they failed to convert a penalty corner.

Goalkeeper Jon Chappell was in outstanding form, but Brooklands scored from their opening penalty corner. City of York replied almost immediately, Lee Cuffe deflecting an Alex Cockram cross into the roof of the net.

Rich Cockram went close for City before Brooklands snatched a half-time 2-1 lead following another swift break out of their own half. The second half started with a period of sustained City pressure and the excellent Alex Cockram found Rich Cockram, who finished smartly to make it 2-2.

With time running out, Brooklands regained the lead from a penalty corner and they added a fourth goal as City of York pressed forward. The following day, a bright start by City of York counted for nothing as they went 2-0 down.

York’s Alex Cockram netted from a penalty corner, but Bowden increased their lead to 4-1. City managed to pull back two goals through Mike Carter and Callum Craig in the last 15 minutes, but ran out of time. Basement side City of York II picked up back-to-back 3-2 wins at Boston Spa I and University of York I in the Yorkshire League premier division.

City produced stirring comebacks on Saturday and Sunday, coming from 2-0 down in the second half on each occasion, to keep their survival hopes alive.

Boston Spa led 1-0 at half-time on Saturday and added a second early in the second half.

Dave Rogers quickly reduced the deficit and then his pass set Pete Fitton free and he levelled the scores. To complete a frantic spell, Jack Purrington clinched the points for York.

History repeated itself 24 hours later when the University of York took a two-goal lead early in the second period.

York ’keeper Jonathan Doyle then made two outstanding saves before Chris Bolt reduced the arrears.

Rory Ainslie got a decisive touch to equalise and the comeback was complete when York were awarded a penalty stroke with three minutes left. Purrington was clear on goal and, after rounding the ’keeper, his shot hit a defender on the line. Rogers stepped up to score to give York a maximum haul and leave them three points off safety with six games left.

City of York III were 2-1 home winners over fellow strugglers Lincoln I in division one on Saturday.

The hosts got off to a flying start with two goals in the first five minutes, the first by Rob Prentice from a short corner and the second by Rory Ainslie following an Andrew Pooley cross. The following day, the thirds were beaten 2-1 at Sheffield University Bankers IV.

Bankers took an early lead and Prentice was unable to convert the penalty stroke chance. Bankers added to their tally after the break and Jonathan Kilmartin netted for City in the last minute.

In division three, City of York IV drew 4-4 at home to Rotherham II.

City of York V were edged out 1-0 by division five north leaders Harrogate III.

York trailed at half-time and only really threatened after the break, but ’keeper Tom Swift was forced into a string of saves to keep the score down.

Second-placed City of York VI were held to a 1-1 draw by Ben Rhydding on Sunday after a 9-3 win over Harrogate IV on Saturday.

Graham Cook scored six goals against Harrogate, with York’s tally completed by Nick Carter, Mark Moisley and Mark Todd.

A poor first-half display saw York trailing Ben Rhydding at the break but, despite a series of injuries in the second half, Graham Cook levelled.

Also in division five north, basement side City of York VII were 3-2 winners at home to Thirsk II. The York scorers were Pat Birch, Matt Birch and captain Craig Ball.

A minute’s silence was held before City of York IX’s division seven north game at Harrogate in memory of player Kishor Solanki, who collapsed on the pitch the previous weekend and later died in York Hospital.

The home side won the game 4-3, with York’s goals coming from Alex Triffit and Tim Downie (2).

Andy Dent went close to a leveller for the visitors.

City of York X (Badgers) were 2-1 winners over Rotherham.

After a goalless first half, Henry Wilson put the home side ahead from a short corner about 20 minutes into the second half.

Sam Engleman slotted home a second goal a few minutes later, while Rotherham scored a breakaway goal in the last minute.