REDDITCH Hockey Club slipped to second in the league after a 2-1 defeat at home to Yardley on Saturday.

The victors went top and a week after predicting the title was a three horse race between Oswestry, Redditch and Bromsgrove, Redditch skipper Tom Hiles admitted a new side had entered the equation.

Much-fancied Oswestry crashed to a shock defeat at Barlaston and title rivals Bromsgrove, who Redditch visit on Saturday (bully-off 3.15pm), were held 2-2 by Kynock to limit the damage for Hiles' team.

Defender Dave Baker and utility player Andy Thomas are set to keep their places in the team after good performances at the weekend.

But Redditch will travel without subs because the second team are back in action at the weekend.