A LAST-GASP goal from Stratford handed Warwick a 3-2 defeat in the men’s Midlands Division One derby.
Chris Roberts’ side were unable to deal with a Stratford side that pressed high up the pitch and dominated the early exchanges, leaving little surprise when the hosts took the lead from a short corner.
The goal seemingly sparked Warwick into life and they began to search for avenues back into the game, doing just that when Steve Gibson directed Archie Gale’s initial shot into the net.
Stratford quickly regained the lead after the visitors switched off at a crucial moment before half-time, meaning an inspired team talk at the break was needed.
Roberts’ words looked to have done the trick as Warwick upped the tempo and took the game to their opponents.
Their endeavour was rewarded when Albie Cohen thrashed a shot into the net following Pete Newton’s pinpoint pass to draw the two sides level for a second time.
But with a draw seemingly on the cards, despite a penalty stroke being missed by the hosts, Stratford flicked home a winner from a short corner in the final minute to break Warwick hearts.
Warwick 4ths made amends with a 3-1 win against Rugby & East Warwickshire’s sixth XI in South East Division Two.
Steve Lycett, Luca Cardellino and Baz Holton all found the net as the Bears continue their resurgence following a slow start to the season.
A 1-1 draw between the men’s fifth team and hosts Market Harborough 3rds was played out in the division below, with the home side scoring against the run of play.
Warwick women’s first team were also involved in a 1-1 stalemate with University of Warwick in Division One of the Warwickshire Women’s Hockey League. Rachel Cross was the goalscorer for Warwick.
