Hales winning streak over

After several injury hit weeks Hales were back to a full squad for the home game agaisnt a in form startford side who were boasting some big results coming into the fixture. Despite the result, Hales started the brighter side on the day, moving the ball well and dominating in possession. This was rewarded when Hales took an early lead through top scorer Chris Hill who collected his own penalty corner rebound and smashed it home. As the half wore on Startford began to warm into the game and equalised just before the break.

Shortly after the break Stratford scored again after a defensive error proved costly for the home side. 5 minutes later Hales drew level when Dan Richards wove his way down the baseline and found an unmarked Cole Hickman at the front post for an easy tap in. Both sides pushed hard for the winner with both sides guilty of missing golden opputunities. Eventually the stalemate had to break and Stratfords high press was the difference again for the away side as they took the lead. Hales pushed hard for a equaliser in the dying minutes leaving themselves exposed again at the back and a goalkeeping error led to Startford scoring again to cement the victory.