MAN-of-the-match Dan Downes capped a memorable debut for the Urmston Hockey Club's men's firsts as his instinctive goal set the team on the way to a 3-1 win against local rivals Didsbury Northern men's seconds.

Pouncing on a misplaced pass in the Didsbury defence, Downes calmly slotted home to open the scoring.

Didsbury levelled before the break but a second goal in as many games for Brad Bates and a Mike Tonge strike sealed all three points.

Rob Skelley and Aaron Kelly brought the men's seconds back from a goal behind to win 2-1 against the University of Salford with Skelley collecting the man-of-the-match award.

The win opens the Greens' account for the season as they target a promotion charge.

There was late drama for the ladies' firsts as Halle Sadri's last-minute lob ensured a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw with Timperley ladies' seconds.

The Greens were 3-1 down with less than 10 minutes to go, but Danielle Harvey sparked a thrilling fightback through a penalty corner before Sadri's last-gasp show.

The tireless Gemma Booth picked up the players' player award with Stacey Bell adding yet another goal to her healthy tally.

The ladies' seconds maintained their unbeaten record to go top with a 3-3 draw against University of Manchester ladies' thirds.