OLD Southendian Hockey Club recorded a seventh win from nine games to move level on points in second place in the East England Hockey League Division One.

Goals from James Byford and Dave Catchpole helped the team to a 2-0 win over London-based Crostyx, but it was Old Southendian’s fine defence that once again earned the plaudits.

The back line has conceded the fewest goals of any team in the East of England this season and captain Byford said they were providing the platform for their success.

“It was a really encouraging performance,” he said. “The lads worked really hard.

“We have been very strong at the back all season and that continued against Crostyx. We retained possession very well and are starting to look more composed in the final third.”

Crostyx, relegated from the East Premier League last season, started the stronger but could not find a way past the hosts backline.

Penalty corners have proven the Old Boys’ Achilles heel this season, but much to the relief of the home crowd, they scored from their very first of the match, as Byford’s drag flick slipped through the keeper’s legs for a 1-0 lead.

The Old Boys continued to control play, but it was not until the middle of the second half that the lead was extended.

Minutes after Tim Robinson had squandered a gilt-edged chance to extend the lead, veteran Catchpole picked up on an a crash hit from the top of the circle from Andy Barclay to turn the ball into the goal.

A scything challenge from a Crostyx striker reduced the opposition to 10 men for much of the closing stages, and the home side comfortably shut out the opposition to secure the three points and a fourth clean sheet of the season.

* Elsewhere in the club, there was a win for the men’s fifth team, draws for the men’s second and third teams and defeats for the men’s fourths, sixths and ladies firsts and seconds.