HOCKEY: WINNINGTON'S recent run of success ground to a halt with a 5-2 defeat against a surprisingly strong Timperley on Saturday.

They maintained their work ethic from previous weeks, but Timperley were too much for the Park defence, which was short of leading figure Mark Whalley. Yet they took the game to their hosts.

Robert Booth was at his most imperious and his competition with his marker took on the appearance of a training exercise in the first half.

He was unlucky when, having gone round the keeper, he could not keep his shot on target.

Dennis Topping was the outstanding player keeping the pressure on Timperley and being industrious between the two Ds.

However, Timperley found the back of Park's net twice in an intense first half and they made it 3-0 before the introduction of Paul Stack-house helped Park remain in contention.

They reduced the arrears when Topping finished off Stackhouse's approach work and they swapped roles for the second goal after the break.

Park upped the pressure and an excellent effort from Topping at a penalty-corner brought an even better save from the goal-keeper.

Timperley broke the siege with breakaway goals to decide the match, one being netted by ex-Park favourite Phil Boyd.

* Winnington Park Ladies 2nds were also at Timperley and fared batter.

They drew 0-0 but will feel disappointed as they missed several chances from short-corners and goalmouth melees.