Cannock are now in sight of a league and cup double for the second time following their hard-fought 2-1 Premier Division victory over Reading yesterday.
The away win, without four of their international players with England in Egypt, put Cannock six points ahead of their Berkshire rivals with three matches to go.
Although tired after winning the silver medal in the European Cup Winners Cup tournament at Easter, Cannock eased the pressure for themselves through a 24th minute penalty corner goal by captain Andy Humphrey.
Richard Lane made it two early in the second half but the league leaders faced a late counter attack as Reading scored and then failed to equalise with a last minute penalty corner.
The result of the day belonged to Birmingham University who ended Premier 3 champions Holcombe's unbeaten run and put themselves in line for the play-offs. The University won 3- 1 thanks to two strikes by Stephen Edmonds and a late goal by Daniel Moore.
The University are two points behind second-place Whitchurch who recovered from an early two goal blitz by Leek to win 4-3. Anthony Mellor, Craig Keegan and Paul Nixon scored for Leek. Barford Tigers lost 6-1 to Harrogate,
Stourport's hopes of avoiding relegation receded with a 3-2 defeat by Old Georgians in Premier 2. They had fought back to equalise with goals by Peter Gibbins and Imran Yousef but conceded the winner three minutes from time.
Bournville are in the playoff zone following a 4-0 home defeat of Brooklands who are relegated. Richard McCollum (2), Terry Lavery and Chris Graham were the scorers.
Fyffes Leicester gained a crucial 4-1 victory over Ipswich on Saturday to take over the leadership of the women's Premier Division in the topofthe-table clash, and yesterday extended the lead by drawing 4-4 with struggling Harleston Magpies, while Ipswich suffered another defeat.
Olton's chances of a place in the Super Cup disappeared yesterday as they fell 3-2 to Chelmsford. Their coach Kalbir Takher was removed from the bench by the match official just before half time when the visitors led 2-0. Lucilla Wright scored two second half goals for Olton, who the day before defeated Doncaster 2-1.
Sutton Coldfield's relegation to the new Division 1 was confirmed with a 6-0 defeat at Chelmsford. Yesterday, they lost 3-0 at home to Doncaster.
Premier 2 Birmingham University's hopes of being in Division 1 were significantly boosted by two victories. They beat Sunderland 4-2 on Saturday and yesterday defeated Poynton 3-0
Old Loughtonians are Premier 2 champions having beaten Woking 5-1 yesterday and drawing 2-2 with second place Loughborough Students the previous day. However, the Students beat Wimbledon 2-1 yesterday to also earn a play-off place
Worcester's 3-1 defeat at Reading sealed their fate and they are relegated to one of the two new regional divisions. Yesterday they drew 2-2 with Hounslow & Ealing.
Aldridge played out a goalless draw at home to St Albans in Premier 3 on Saturday and then drew 2-2 yesterday to relegated Letchworth. n England's inexperienced side were overcome but not disgraced by a powerful Korea who recorded a 5-2 victory at the Champions Challenge in Alexandria. Cannock forward Barry Middleton scored England's second goal.
