WILMSLOW Hockey Club's women maintained second place with a 2-0 home win against Triton.

They will want to play more convincingly against mid-table opposition in the future to stay hot on the heels of leaders Deeside.

Wilmslow started brightly enough with intelligent midfield play from Anneka Hall and Ruth Walters forcing Triton on the defensive.

Pressure told and an effort from Di Law fell to Emily Kelman to score.

Later in the first half Kelman turned provider when a good move in the D gave Lindsay Rachubka a free shot at goal to complete the scoring.

Despite having the majority of the possession in the second half Wilmslow slackened off.

Wilmslow's attacks kept on foundering on the last pass through a lack of intensity. Later in the game too many long passes broke up the midfield rhythm.

Newcomer Hannah Coulson put in a lively performance.

Defensively Charlotte and Hannah Kelman and Helen Hunt were sound and rarely troubled, while keeper Cat Lang was only brought into the game for one save.

Poor discipline cost Wilmslow's men hopes of completing a fightback in an eventual 5-2 loss at Preston's seconds.

A strong opening spell which featured the hosts not dealing with the movement and link-up play of 15-year-olds Tom Davenport and Cam Armstrong up front went unrewarded.

Preston went ahead against the run of play and after Wilmslow resumed the pressure Steve Edmonds slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.

Wilmslow had a penalty corner on the half-time whistle which was closed down well by a brave Preston runner.

A poor goal was conceded by Wilmslow early in the second half and after rallying for a spell a foul by Chris Berkon led to a penalty stroke which was converted for 3-1.

Pete Hallinan finished off a lovely passage of passing play, slotting in with a diving deflection at the back post but further good play was overshadowed by poor discipline.

Stand-out players were Bas Steffans on an excellent return to the side and Jack Wright, who improves from game to game.