Wimbledon are still waiting for their first win of the new MHL Premier Division season after a 3-1 defeat at home to defending champions Beeston.

Ben Marsden's team got off to a dream start when, after two minutes, a quality aerial ball from Michael Hoare put Phil Ball through.

He still had work to do as he swept inside the D, rode a fierce tackle and rounded the keeper to score an excellent opportunist goal.

Beeston immediately surged back and looked dangerous and their efforts were rewarded when Tim Whiteman scored from close range. 

The rest of the half was end to end hockey with escapes and saves at both ends, and Wimbledon had two glorious chances but could not find the back of the net.

In the second half, the end the breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Beeston's Ward converted a short corner.

Wimbledon in turn had looked dangerous with narrow misses but the equaliser did not come and the game was effectively put beyond them when Adam Dixon scored a brilliant goal in the 64th minute as he turned and shot from the edge of the D.

Team: Bailey, Woods, Weir, Osborn, Marsden, Hawes(c), Hoare, Cerulus, Ball, Brogden, Roper, Loic, Sloan, Hanspal, Ebbers, Farrant.