Scarborough M2 Keep Promotion Hopes Alive with 3-1 Victory Over Doncaster M5

Introduction
The sunny Scarborough seaside provided a glorious setting for SHC M2’s final home game of the season. Ahead of the match, both teams observed a minute’s silence in honour of former Scarborough Hockey Club player and Easter Festival President, Bob Stankiste, who recently passed away. Players stood together at the centre of the pitch, looking towards Oliver’s Mount—the site of so many hockey games and festivals where Bob once played.

With promotion on the line, Scarborough M2 hosted Doncaster M5 in their penultimate fixture. A tightly contested game saw SHC M2 secure a crucial 3-1 victory, setting up a dramatic final match to determine the league title.

First Half Overview
The match began at a fast pace, with both sides creating strong chances. However, solid goalkeeping at both ends kept the game goalless heading into the half-time break.

Second Half Overview
Scarborough M2 eventually broke through Doncaster’s defence following a series of penalty corners. Reuben Elliott opened the scoring with a well-placed drag flick, before Will Ward pounced on a penalty corner deflection seven minutes later to double the lead.

Scarborough continued to push forward, and a shot stopped on the line by a Doncaster foot resulted in a penalty stroke. Captain Chris Tait stepped up and confidently converted to make it 3-0. While Scarborough remained on the front foot, Doncaster managed to break through on a counterattack, pulling one back with just four minutes remaining. However, SHC M2 had done enough, seeing out the final moments to claim an important victory.

Conclusion
A well-deserved win keeps SHC M2’s promotion hopes alive, putting them in contention for a top-two finish. Due to a mid-season fixture reshuffle following another team’s withdrawal, Scarborough find themselves with one game fewer than the other promotion challengers. A second-place finish would see SHC M2 earn promotion, but their fate depends on the outcome of the remaining fixtures.

Regardless of the final league standings, the team can take immense pride in their performances this season, exceeding expectations and proving themselves as serious contenders.

Player of the Match
John Atkinson – For his Herculean work rate and unwavering support for his teammates, taking on multiple roles throughout the match.