Crostyx men’s Firsts were unable to build on their first win of the season against Colchester at the weekend as they slumped to a 6-3 defeat to Pelicans.

Coach Tim Watson had instructed his side to play at a higher tempo and, from the outset, they duly delivered. However a breakthrough was not forthcoming and Pelicans took the lead.

Despite their best efforts, Crostyx went in 4-0 down at the break after failing to ruffle their hosts’ feathers as the first half wore on.

The second period was a different story altogether though, with a hat-trick from player-coach Watson dragging the visitors back into the clash.

Watson’s first came when he received a pass from Joe Johnson and smashed home, and the second arrived when he guided a drag-flick into the top left corner.

However the hosts caught Styx off-guard soon after and scored again to put some breathing space between the two sides. Watson then completed his hat-trick, receiving the ball from a short corner before turning in minimal space and crashing home his third.

On Saturday Crostyx are at home to Bourne Deeping at Lee Valley.

Crostyx men’s Seconds were beaten 3-0 at home by Colchester Seconds in their first game at Lee Valley.

A last-minute injury and James McKay’s late arrival meant Crostyx began with the bare 11, but they managed to defend resolutely throughout the first period to ensure they went in goalless at half-time in a finely-balanced contest.

As the second half wore on, Crostyx struggled to find a breakthrough and managed only two short corners. The game was eventually decided by two inconveniently-deflected short corners and a goal that left the Styx backline with no chance.

The Seconds are away to Old Southendians at the weekend.

Crostyx men’s Thirds threw away a 2-1 lead to slip to a 3-2 defeat at Chelmsford Fourths.

Hosts Chelmsford took the lead after 15 minutes and created several more chances which went to waste, but were made to pay for their profligacy when Styx drew level through Dave Fulton to go in level at the break.

The second half saw Crostyx come out fighting and the visitors dominated possession before taking the lead through Alfie Tedder, who struck with a drag flick at the near post.

However, the hosts turned the game on its head and struck immediately after the restart, before grabbing the winner following some lax defending by the away side.

Next up for the men’s Thirds is a home clash with Romford Seconds.

Crostyx ladies’ Firsts were beaten 3-1 home to Colchester Firsts, whilst there was a win for the ladies’ Thirds, who thumped Southend and Benfleet 5-0.

Crostyx ladies’ Seconds were 3-1 winners at home to Basildon, coming from behind to secure the points.

Styx took a while to settle into their rhythm, with several players fielded in new positions, and hosts Basildon were somewhat fortunate to take the lead after firing a hopeful ball into the ‘D’.

However Crostyx regrouped and started to cause problems for the hosts with their attacking play on both wings. The attacking pressure was rewarded when player-of-the-match Ella Jessop scored from open play to level the score at 1-1.

The visitors began brightly after the restart and were soon on the hunt for further goals to go in front. At the second short corner Juliet Drake received the ball and fired beyond the Basildon defenders to score her first goal for the club.

At 2-1 up Crostyx were in control and continued to dominate with Liberty Morrell scoring late on in the game after a defensive error.

The ladies’ Seconds are away to Basildon Seconds at the weekend.