HOCKEY: Laith El Khatib capped an excellent season by scoring both goals as Stourport created a shock win with their vital 2-1 National League Division One success over Firebrands.

Stourport successfully avoided the relegation zone for another season, regardless of Sunday's result, while Firebrands missed out on the play-off promotion place due to the defeat.

But the Wyre Forest side continued their superb second-half to the campaign in a tough final match.

Stourport's Wales internationals El Khatib, Jon Willicombe, Richard John, Owen Brotherton and Matt Simkin wanted to prove a point to Firebrands' Dave Hacker, a senior figure in Welsh hockey.

Their friendly victory over the same team during the Christmas break seemed to give them an edge though the opening exchanges were tight.

The game suited Pakistani internationals and short-corner experts Imran and Irfan Yousaf but it was two open-play goals that gave Stourport another season in Division One.

El Khatib opened the scoring on 25 minutes but Firebrands' Simon Mantell replied just before the interval.

The Yousaf brothers, Matt Ruxton and Phil Lashford caused major problems for Firebrands, allowing El Khatib to snatch his second goal 10 minutes into the second half.

Simkin proved he is the best keeper in Division One and Richard John was in superb form at the head of defence.

Barford Tigers lost 7-3 to champions Old Loughtonians, meaning Stourport were clear of the drop zone by four points.

Stourport 3rds 5 Telford 3

The thirds dominated their final friendly fixture of the season but squandered chances and only converted one of their 10 short corners.

Mark McKinnon broke the deadlock after 10 minutes when Steve Ellis's pass found him unmarked at the edge of the circle.

Telford immediately equalised but David Knott restored the lead from the penalty spot after he was fouled closing in on goal.

Knott extended the lead before half-time and although the visitors scored again, they were never a match for Stourport.

Ian Roberts created chances for Knott and Ian Lye but Phil Baldwin scored the best goal, flicking the ball into the roof of the net after riding an initial foul.

Telford added a third goal past the otherwise impressive Rob Farmer in goal before Mark Harradine sealed the victory with a close-range finish from a late short corner.

Stourport 6ths 3 Telford 3

The sixths featured a number of young players coming through the youth system into the men's game, under the guidance of Kevin Hughes and Steve Hopkins.

Promotion was only missed by the outcome of a single game at the end of the season and the club now looks forward to moving their young stars upwards.

Kit Parnell and Ben Kenyon scored excellent goals, while Harry Willets scored the third with an individual effort but a draw was a fair result.

Telford Badgers 0 Stourport Badgers 3

The final Badgers game of the season was dominated by Stourport who took early control with the first of Oliver Butler's two goals.

The Stourport defence was rarely in action and a Ben Carless goal 10 minutes from time sealed victory.

The junior section celebrate their season at a presentation evening tomorrow at the Kingsway Club, Stourport.

All members, family and friends are invited at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

The U-15s national competition semi-final against Eastcote is at home on Saturday, April 26, not on Sunday, April 27 as previously stated, from 1.30pm.