URMSTON Hockey Club's men's first team's Division One title hopes ended on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Blackburn Northern men’s firsts side.

Andy Power’s goal looked to have sealed the win after Urmston had battered the otherwise unbeatable Blackburn goalkeeper.

However, the visitors bounced back immediately, firing an equaliser past man-of-the-match, goalkeeper James McLaughlin.

Combined with Liverpool Sefton’s 7-0 win, the draw means Urmston are all but mathematically out of the title race but could still be promoted automatically or through the play-offs.

The ladies’ seconds also saw their Greater Manchester League Division Three promotion hopes fall at the final hurdle despite a 4-0 win against Stockport Bramhall ladies’ thirds at the weekend.

The Greens still have a shot at cup glory when they play University of Manchester’s thirds whose draw meant Urmston miss out on promotion by a point.

Ric Clarke scored Urmston’s goal as the men’s seconds crashed 5-1 to City of Manchester men’s firsts in Division Five North South.

Lewis Monk’s tenacious display earned him the man-of-the-match award but the Greens need at least a point next week against rivals Didsbury Northern sixths to seal third place.

A threadbare ladies’ firsts secured an impressive point against Wilmslow ladies’ firsts as they drew 1-1 in Division Two South West, while the men’s thirds lost 3-0 to leave them fourth in Division Six North South.