HORWICH Men’s first team were edged out in a five-goal thriller against an Urmston second team with whom they were promoted last season.

The visitors started on the front foot but were unable to capitalise on the early pressure which saw them force two short corners in the first three minutes.

Urmston rallied and laid siege on the Horwich goal in a nine-minute barrage of attacks that saw four short corners superbly defended.

Man-of-the-match Graeme Kilshaw kept the home side out with a number of excellent saves, and Callum Lyall and David Lilley joined in on the act with goalline clearances.

It took a deflected shot to break the Horwich resistance and send the hosts in 1-0 up at half time.

Andy Barr levelled the scores nine minutes after the break, and Horwich found themselves ahead five minutes later when David Whiteside converted with a neat finish.

The lead was shortlived with Urmston equalising with a goal from open play followed by the winner from a short corner.

Horwich men's second team also suffered defeat, going down 5-3 at home to Wigan's second team.

After back-to-back wins the hosts were brought crashing back down to earth in a first half which saw them go into the interval 4-1 down.

This was despite a number of fine saves by goalkeeper Ryan Goodman, including one from a penalty flick.

Horwich regrouped in the second half, showing more composure and producing some flowing attacking hockey.

Great runs from midfield by Rob Brewer and Sean Gibson and well-executed strikes by Aitken Fox and Mo Rashid kept Horwich in the game but they were unable to make up the deficit.

The ladies' first team game was postponed and the ladies' second team produced the only win of the weekend for the club, beating Bolton third team 3-1.

A young Bolton side was kept at bay by some excellent saves by Nic Dodds before the game became an end-to-end affair.

The Horwich attack, led by Lara King and Zara Kour, worked the ball well in the area and went close to breaking the deadlock.

It was Bolton who drew first blood, but Horwich hit back just before half time with Kour finding King who slotted home.

With defenders Lisa Brew, Justine Young and Kelly Price proving too strong for Bolton, Horwich took control and went ahead when more good work by Kour created another chance for King to convert.

With five minutes remaining player-of-the-day King claimed her hat-trick to complete a first win for the newly-formed team.