The Men’s 1st XI promotion was achieved on the final game of the season after an initial tense encounter with Telford HC. Going into the final match level on points with second placed Loughborough Students Hockey Club, Leek needed to win and hoped that second placed Loughborough would not do the same and overturn their goal difference advantage.
The first half was a nervy affair saw Leek spurn a number of good chances and find a Telford keeper in fine form. Much to the relief of the large crowd, the deadlock was finally broken in the 50th minute when Captain Richard Cordon converted a Penalty Corner. This goal allowed both the team and crown to relax and with Telford’s resistance broken Leek added three goals in the final 10 minutes to secure a return to the National League. Payer Coach Ben White consolidated his position of top goal scorer with a brace of Penalty Corner goals and veteran Dan O’Neill finished things off with a fine individual goal.

Leek then had the agonizing wait for confirmation that Loughborough had only drawn their game before the celebrations could begin.

Leek First Captain Team Rich Cordon commented:
“Leek have been so close to promotion to National League in recent years so it feels amazing to finally be Champions. The Championship follows the National Tier 2 Cup win last season and is a great credit to all the players, coaches, club members and supporters.
All bar two of the team stated their careers at junior level at Leek and will now get to show their skills at a National League level.”

Leek Head Coach Ben White commented:
“This promotion is a credit to the hard work and commitment of all of the players this season. After coming so close in the previous few years, and after injuries to key players through the season, the players deserve a huge amount of credit for the achievement of League Champions in an incredibly tough competition.
We look forward to challenge of next season and welcoming National League Hockey to Leek”

Club Chairman Andy Spragg commented:
“What a season This is a great achievement for the club. Many clubs can go years without winning promotion so to secure three in one season is a fantastic achievement.

It is amazing to see so many of our players who started with our junior section come through to play adult hockey and now secure promotion with the Men’s 1st XI and Ladies 1st XI. We look forward to watching the continuing development of the 4th team youngsters, the latest in a long tradition of home-grown talent.

The hundreds of supporters that supported Leek on the final day were testament to the strength in depth of the Club, capped off with becoming League Champions.

For a small town such as Leek, we really do punch above our weight in the hockey league – and now we are bringing National League Hockey to the Moorlands!