A resounding win over Letchworth keeps Welwyn Garden City's hopes of reaching the top half of the table alive.

The 4-2 success has put WGC level on points in East Hockey League Division Two South West, behind their visitors on goal difference.

It means Letchworth remain sixth with three games to go in the season for both.

An even opening quarter, with neither side threatening, made way for a real purple patch for the Hertfordshire Sports Village hosts.

Nate Last won a penalty corner and although Nick Reilly's strike was well saved, Dave Allmand-Smith picked up the rebound and fed Last to fire home.

Callum Burr then secured a turnover at full stretch before driving at the Letchworth defence.

That run ended with a perfectly-weighted pass finding Allmand-Smith who calmly rounded the keeper and scored from a narrow angle.

The purple patch ended when Reilly found Mark Skilbeck and after beating a defender, he scored his first of the season.

Letchworth responded well in the second half and after a strong of short corners, they finally pulled one back.

It truly did become game on when a counter attack brought a second away goal, a clever variation from another set-piece routine.

And Welwyn had to absorb more Letchworth pressure before securing the win with a breakaway goal from Allmand-Smith, robbing a defender and rounding the keeper once again.

The big game in the ladies' section of the club was meant to be the big showdown between the seconds and Stevenage in Division Four South West.

The early push-back though meant frost in Stevenage was an issue, despite the warmer weather, and the clash was postponed.

It will now be played on the final day of the season in a winner-takes-all showdown.

Welwyn currently lead Stevenage by one point but have played one game more.