A BRILLIANT brace from Ed Parkes helped the Knights to a morale boosting 4-2 friendly victory over Walsall Thirds at a rain-soaked Wolverhampton University campus.

A break in league fixtures allowed Sol Buckner’s troops to enjoy themselves against more equal opposition having been thrown into the first team set-up in their first season.

And they revelled in the chance to relax playing their best hockey of the season so far.

Lead by Buckner, the Knights piled forward and should have scored a hatful in the first half, the skipper’s near post miss the best chance to go begging.

On 25 minutes the hosts opened the scoring through a counter attack and held on to the lead until the break.

Minutes after the re-start, livewire Parkes fired over the keeper to equalise and then earned a penalty which Buckner coolly slotted home. But Walsall replied instantly from a short corner to level the game.

Then on 52 minutes Chris Breedon scored the goal of the game dribbling past four defenders to squeeze the ball past the keeper from the narrowest of angles.

And man-of-the-match Parkes wrapped up the game on the hour rifling home a bullet of a shot after more good work from Buckner.

Buckner said: “Despite the rain it was a very enjoyable match and a much-needed morale booster.

“We have found it very tough in the league and this game allowed us to enjoy our hockey again.”

The Knights return to league action on Saturday, welcoming Barlaston to the Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy for a 2pm push back. For information visit www.dudleyknights.co.cc