OXFORD Hawks moved another step closer to their aim of National League hockey next season when they edged out Old Cranleighans 1-0 in London

With the hosts lying third in South League Premier Division 1, this was always going to be one of leaders’ toughest fixtures in their run-in

Hawks eventually broke the deadlock in the final minute of the first half when Jack Biggs converted from their first penalty corner.

After the break, the home side were marshalled well by the Hawks defence and Chris Price in goal.

Ben Gregory narrowly failed to convert a one-on-one chance and Biggs had a second penalty corner saved on the goal line.

But Hawks prevailed to preserve their six-point lead with just four games to play.

Oxford put in a top performance as they drew 2-2 away to runaway Regional 1 leaders Slough.

The visitors took the lead in a good move, set up by Eamon Devaney and finished off by Arron Leadbeater

Slough equalised with a breakaway goal just before half-time, but Oxford deservedly regained the lead via a Matt Janes short corner in the second half.

They looked like holding on for a famous victory only to be denied with five minutes to go, with a strike from a controversial penalty corner.

Witney returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory at home to Aylesbury in Division 2

Ben Moss put Witney ahead early on, but the visitors soon equalised.

Further goals came courtesy of Jacob Deacon and Rob Manson as the hosts maintained their promotion push.

OTHER MEN’S RESULTS

Oxford Hawks 2nd 2 (T Lawson, J Taylor), Wallingford 4; Oxford Hawks 4th 8 (H Fuller 2, N Gallacher 2, N Mahon 2, M Pickup, L Piper), Milton Keynes 3rd 0; Oxford Hawks 5th 0, Sonning 3rd 2; Oxford Hawks 6th 0, Maidenhead Magicians 2; Oxford Hawks 7th 4, Henley 4th 6; Oxford Hawks Falcons 8, Havant Cavaliers 0; Oxford 2nd 6 (T Small 2, D Bleach, J Campbell, H Eaton, M McKeown), West Hampstead 2nd 0; Oxford 3rd 1 (H Williams), Wallingford 2nd 2; Oxford 4th 1 (S Copping), Leighton Buzzard 2; Oxford 5th 0, Marlow 4th 6; Oxford 6th 3 ( J Williams 2, T Christophers), Wycombe 4th 4; Oxford 7th 0, Newbury & Thatcham 4th 10; Oxford 8th 1 (C Paluch), Wallingford 4th 7; Oxford 9th 1 (J Flather), Reading Rovers 11; Oxford University 4th 6, Witney 2nd 4 (B Baker, M Godwin, F Macken, C Summers); Newbury & Thatcham 2, Witney 3rd 1 (J Lauder).

Boys: Oxford Hawks U14 4, Saffron Walden 3; Oxford Hawks U18 0, Reading 4.