TOP scorer Tom Cant came to Tynedale Hockey‘s rescue as they threatened to throw away a two-goal lead.

Leading 3-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining, they were pegged back by Stockton II before Cant’s goal with two minutes to go earned the hosts a vital three points which all but secures their status as a Premier Division team.

With just six games remaining, Tyne now enjoy an 11 point advantage over the teams occupying the relegation spots as they bid for a second season in the Premier after three successive promotions.

The Hexham side were well on top and were one goal to the good when, after some good work by Henry Thompson on the wing, the ball fell to teenager Jacob Brown to tap home at the back post.

Yet Tynedale have seemed to take a liking to conceding goals almost straight after they’ve scored, and they were quickly back on level terms.

But the teams turned around with Tynedale leading 2-1, Cant scoring in the third game in a row just before half time.

The result looked beyond doubt when Tynedale extended their lead as Tim Pike broke through and stroked the ball home past the goalkeeper, umpire Ken John playing advantage despite Stockton trying all ways to stop Pike in full flow.

Yet Tynedale tried their best to throw it away as they stepped off the gas, Stockton found goals from a short corner and a penalty flick despite captain James Rainford stopping the ball on the line with his body and the flick just finding its way past goalkeeper Mark Blatherwick.

With time against them, Tyne made one last bid for victory and a pass from Duncan Douglas found Cant who stayed composed to round the keeper and secure the points which moved them up one place in the table.

Another home game awaits Tynedale on Saturday as they play host to Tynemouth II.