Hockey's one week October break didn't do Welwyn Garden City any favours as they slumped to a home defeat against Stevenage.

They started at a slow pace and were never able snap out of it, eventually falling to a 3-1 defeat in East League Division Two South West.

Stevenage's first goal came inside five minutes as their pressure forced a short corner.

The initial strike was well saved by Dan Klinger in goal but he was helpless against the resulting follow up from the Stevenage forward who hit it very sweetly on the half volley.

Welwyn tried to grow into the contest and had a number of half chances through Matt O'Connell, Dave Allmand-Smith, Nate Last and Paul Marchant but nothing went their way.

The second half continued in a similar vein and more half changes went begging before Stevenage pressure brought a second goal.

A third shortly after, Welwyn guilty of giving the ball away, but the hosts did get at least one consolation late on, even though they were down to 10 men at the time with Dave Allmand-Smith sitting out with a yellow card.

Good work from man of the match Rob Sansom saw him bring the ball out of defence before slipping it to Pete Mullens who scored with a first time sweep.

WGC are away at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday when they will hope to bounce back after consecutive defeats.