SAM Lowe’s second half strike ensured Rochford Hockey Club got back to winning ways against Saffron Walden VII.

After the below-par performance of the previous week, Rochford went back to basics and that seemed to work in a first half where stand-in keeper Luke Smith was not tested at all.

At the other end, Rochford created a number of good chances with Lowe, Rhys Durban, James Morgan and Andy Knight all seeing efforts saved.

With the scoreline goalless at half time, Rochford skipper Andy Knight changed the formation and it proved a wise move as the hosts created a host of chances, the best of which fell to Morgan who found the Saffron Walden goalkeeper in inspired form.

The pressure was building on the Saffron Walden goal and Morgan was denied again, this time by the woodwork, as his shot hit a post.

Rochford eventually got the breakthrough when player-of-the-match Knight tackled a Walden player on the 22 and then drove the ball into the D.

He unleashed a fierce shot which glanced off the keeper’s pads and although it was heading goal-bound, the on-rushing Lowe made sure it went in by pushing it over the line.

The final ten minutes were much of the same from Rochford with Walden’s only hope being on the counter attack, and, although there were a couple of occasions where they threatened, the defence held firm.

The game, which saw the debuts of youngsters Lewis Dodds and Harry Lowe, means Rochford are now three points off the leaders in East League Division Eight South East.