Bingley Bees men’s first team hit back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Halifax Fourths in their final pre-season friendly.

Preparation was not ideal, with new skipper Tony Hart sidelined due to injury and Bill Livingstone forced to play as a stand-in keeper.

But the Bees settled well and showed that last season’s youngsters had developed their hockey in the Summer League and were now a force to be reckoned with.

Stephen Booth, Joe Manning and Robbie Manning all caused problems for the Halifax midfield and defence, although it was the hosts who opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the D.

The Bees continued to play flowing and expansive hockey but conceded another goal midway through the second half.

Brett Kinsey reduced the arrears from a solid short-corner strike and then Chris Silberberg stole in and got the slightest touch to the ball off the Halifax keeper’s pads for a deserved equaliser.

Mark Greenbank was voted the Bees’ man of the match for a sterling performance in his first game at centre midfield.