High-flying Cannock look to open up a gap at the top
HOCKEY
PAUL RAYMER
Cannock could establish a commanding lead in the Slazenger England League this weekend as both their matches are against lowly-placed teams, and their closest rivals Reading and East Grinstead play each other on Sunday.
Tomorrow, Cannock are away to Loughborough Students in the Premier division and their home match against Southgate on Sunday (2pm) will be in the nature of a dress rehearsal for the two clubs’ Men’s Cup fourth round tie at Chase Park on November 23.
Cannock, a frequent cup winner, defeated Bromley & Beckenham 8-4 in the third round last Sunday with Gareth Andrew scoring four of them.
They are joined in the next round by Barford Tigers who gained their first win of the season, beating Plymouth Marjon 3-1 to earn an away draw against Old Loughtonians. Cup holders Beeston, who for the second year knocked out Harborne, 8-3, are away to Sheffield Hallam. Leek are away to Brooklands.
The main men’s league programme is on Sunday when two of the bottom and pointless teams in Conference North, Barford Tigers and Telford & Wrekin meet (12.30pm), and two of the division’s top sides, Leek and Belper clash.
Bournville, who are third in Conference West, are away to Stourport (noon) and mid-table Birmingham University travel to Guildford.
Olton’s challenge for the leadership in the women’s Premier Division is set to continue tomorrow away to Trojans who are suffering a paucity of goals.
This week Olton who had a walkover in the last round of the Women’s Cup, were drawn away in the fourth round on Sunday week, to Bowdon, currently three points ahead of them at the top of the league.
In the same round, cup holders Leicester are at home to Birmingham University who beat Firebrands 5-1 last Sunday and Sutton Coldfield, 4-3 victors over Sheffield Hallam, host Horsham.
