Hockey round-up: Goalie George shows he's made of the Wright stuff in Bankers victory

Owen Davies of Sheffield University Bankers Men's 1st team is pictured during the game v City of York

A strong Leeds side, sitting fourth in Division Two (South) of the North Hockey League, had numerous chances to win the game, but were kept out by a superb George Wright in the Bankers’ goal.

The visitors did take the lead after a quarter of an hour at Goodwin, as a cross from the right-hand side was steered beyond Wright.

Leeds continued to dominate proceedings, with their tempo and direct passing game proving too much for the Bankers to deal with, but were frustrated to be held to just a 1-0 lead at the break.

The Bankers got themselves together at half time though, with their defending more intense, and some heavy challenges flying in.

The Bankers were struggling to create the chances to get them back into the game however, and another league defeat appeared imminent. But with just one minute left on the clock, skipper James Osborne raced onto a deflected pass to convert a late equaliser.

And that was just the beginning of the drama, as Chris Downham capitalised on a very similar situation two minutes into added time to snatch an extraordinary victory from the jaws of defeat.

Though the result was perhaps undeserved, the Bankers did feel that avenged the game at Leeds earlier in the season when they let a 2-0 lead slip.

The Bankers’ first team suffered more disappointment, as they drew 2-2 away at Leeds in the Premier Division on Saturday to fall further behind in the promotion race.

The hosts Leeds took the lead on the stroke of half time, but the Bankers were soon level as Owen Davies slid in to convert. And the turnaround was complete shortly afterwards, as Matthew Kettley finished a pinpoint Drew Burkin pass.

A yellow card reduced the Bankers to ten men and the subsequent penalty corner was converted to make it 2-2.

Leeds were on the wrong end of the officials’ whistle next, as they suffered a red card, but with the game there for the taking, the Bankers were unable to convert any of a host of chances.

Despite dropping two points, the Bankers felt there was plenty to take away as they look to get themselves back into top spot in the coming weeks.

National League Conference side Beeston were the visitors in the HA Cup on Sunday, and were forced to come from behind to win.

A performance which proved the Bankers can mix it with the best, despite defeat.