A STUNNING strike from winger Steve Griffiths capped an inspired performance from Dudley Knights, but they still went down 3-1 to Bloxwich.

Sol Buckner's rejuvenated side, smashed 13-0 by the same opposition earlier this season, were unlucky not to take at least a point out of the game on a bitterly cold afternoon in Walsall.

Despite a 4-5-1 formation, the Knights went on the offensive from the start with livewire Ed Parkes almost converting a one-on-one with the keeper.

Parkes fed Mick Hinton whose pin point cross was coolly slotted home from 10 yards by Griffiths to kickstart wild celebrations from the Knights with only their second league goal.

But the euphoria was quickly over when the hosts broke and slotted hom from close range.

Parkes went close again soon afterwards but was thwarted by a busy keeper.

In the second half the hosts piled on the pressure and Dudley’s defence cracked on the hour when a strike into the D was well met by a lone forward to make it 2-1.

Bloxwich grabbed a third against the run of play to make the game safe.

Skipper Buckner said: “We have come a long way in a very short space of time.

“I was proud of everyone because they gave everything and deserved more. It was a moral victory for us and a huge shot in the arm.”

The Knights take a break from league hockey on Saturday and welcome Walsall thirds to Earls High School in Halesowen for a 2pm push back.