Welwyn Garden City were looking to build on a series of better performances and results when they hosted Shefford & Sandy in the East Hockey League - and they did just that.

The visitors were second at start of play in Division Two South West and remained so after the 1-1 draw.

WGC are seventh.

The match started with some good hockey from both teams but with both defences looking organised.

Chances in front of goal were limited and the home side's best options came on the counter attack.

After a good quick move involving Dan Hatt and Dave Allmand-Smith, Nate Last found himself in on goal.

He went round the keeper but drew a foul ad the resulting short corner came to nothing.

The start of the second half saw Shefford start far better and the home defence of Sansom, Fowler, Mullens and Lutario were under threat.

They limited Shefford to very few shots on goal but what did come through was well saved by Dan Klinger.

The pressure took its toll when a short corner was put in the top corner with the WGC keeper having no chance.

The goal seemed to fire Welwyn up though and they suddenly took control of the game and turned the momentum in their favour.

Bryn Evans and Stuart Stephen were having more time on the ball and they looked more dangerous.

It eventually worked with Evans expertly setting up Allmand-Smith to finish calmly off the underside of the crossbar.

Welwyn then pushed for a winner but ran out of time.

Welwyn now enjoy a week off before returning with a trip to Blueharts in Hitchin on February 24.

Elsewhere in the club, the women's first team also drew 1-1 at home, their match against Harpenden, but apart from a 3-2 win for the men's third team against Stevenage, there was little joy.