OXTON Hockey Club men's first team hosted second place and in-form Durham University seconds in the Northern Premier League on Saturday.

Oxton were hoping to build on two consecutive away wins and continue their promotion challenge.

They began sluggishly and it was the visitors who forced all the early pressure.

It was Oxton's defence who were in action most in the opening stages.

Durham took a deserved half time 1-0 lead from a well-worked set piece and were unlucky not to extend their lead further before the half time whistle.

The tables were turned after the break as Oxton started the second half in a much brighter fashion while Durham started slowly.

Oxton started to carve the visitors defence open creating numerous chances and when youngster Joe Hillyer won a penalty from a foot offence on the goal line Oxton had the chance to equalise.

Captain Gordon Moore duly converted into the top right corner to put Oxton on level terms.

Durham couldn't cope with Oxton's attacking play the home side creating numerous chances.

Oxton soon went ahead when Huw Collins rifled home into the net following a well worked short corner. Oxton continued to create chances and should've gone further ahead but Durham's defenders held firm to deny Oxton.

The game finshed 2-1 and Oxton moved into second place behind leaders Preston.

Oxton travel to Yorkshire this Saturday to take on Ben Rhydding aiming for their fourth win in a row.