Gritty Khalsa stretch advantage at the top

Despite not being at their fluent best, Khalsa led 2-0 at the break through Scott Cordon’s tap-in and a reverse-stick shot from Chris Darling. 

The hosts dominated the second period, restricting Edgbaston to just one effort on target.

Australian centre-half William Kenney-Herbert nearly made it 3-0 but his ferocious short-corner effort went a fraction wide, while Micky Hayer also spurned a clear opportunity.

However, Cordon wrapped up victory with a 15-yard strike after some fine build-up play involving the impressive Jasminder Singh and Gury Ghattuara.

Khalsa manager Parvinder Singh Sangha said there was still more to come from his side.

“The spirit of the squad was right from the first to last minute,” said Parvinder.

“We worked well together and I was always positive with the team.

“This team wants to improve, wants to work hard and wants to get better and better - that is the most satisfying aspect.”

Khalsa 2nds beat Warwick 2nds 4-2 in their derby match, while goals from Vinny Singh, Kulbinder Singh Birdi and Parminder Singh Birdi gave Khalsa 3rds a 3-2 win over Stone.

Warwick men’s 1sts followed up their opening Premier Division win of the season with a gutsy point at Northampton Saints.

Despite Warwick having the better of the clear-cut chances, Saints went 2-0 up thanks to a deflected shot and a penalty flick.

Man-of-the-match Jon Byrd halved the deficit before the break and David Bryce converted a well-worked short corner in the second period to bring Warwick level.

Both teams had chances to win it, with Si Shepherd going close for Warwick and Ian Robinson having to produce an excellent save to prevent Northampton from regaining their lead.

Warwick men’s 3rds also staged a fine recovery to gain a point from their clash with fellow Midlands Premier strugglers Warwick University 3rds.

Following a lacklustre first half, two goals in the last 15 minutes from Pete Hurrell and John Kane earned Warwick a 2-2 draw.

The 4ths scraped a 1-0 win against Warwick University with Murray Chathan’s first-time strike earning them the three points, while the 5ths drew 2-2 with Ashby 4ths.

Michael Howard produced a string of saves to keep Warwick level at the break, but it needed goals from Dan Routlege and Will Whiting to secure a point after Ashby had twice taken the lead after the break.

Warwick Ladies’ 1sts marched up to third in Warwickshire Division One, with a game in hand, following a solid 3-0 victory over Coventry & North Warwicks 1sts.

Warwick dominated first-half possession and territory and took the lead from a well-executed short-corner strike by Angela Briggs.

Polly Lapage-Norris scored from an acute angle to make it 2-0 at the break and Warwick maintained their stranglehold on the game in the second half.

A series of shots on goal failed to reach the backboard before youngster Alice Reed’s cool finish made it 3-0 in the dying seconds.

The ladies’ 2nds lost 6-0 at Nuneaton 1sts despite a standout performance from Hayley Walding.