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East Grinstead: 5 - Belper: 2

Slazenger English Hockey League Premier Division

East Grinstead will resume league action in the new year knowing they have a great chance of challenging for honours.

At the halfway stage of the season just two points separate the top five teams in the Slazenger National premier division, making it the most exciting title race for years.

Grinstead went into the season just hoping to continue their progress of recent years by penetrating the 'Big four' but they are already six points clear of last season's runners-up Surbiton.

New England international Ashley Jackson scored twice on Sunday in a convincing 5-2 win away to Belper.

This left Grinstead just two points off top spot after leaders Beeston were toppled by Reading, who are now at the summit. Reigning champions Cannock and Loughborough Students are also in the mix.

Grinstead manager Matt Jones said: "I'm pleased to reach the halfway point only two points behind the group of leaders.  I can't remember a premiership being quite so tight so far into the season.  We have been saying all along it would be tight and we have been proved right".

"The top five are quite clearly all in the running and there is a fantastic opportunity for us to capitalise on. If the injury list stays short we will be there when the Fat Lady starts warming up."

Despite being without England captain Glenn Kirkham and Darren Cheesman, who rested injury niggles, Grinstead turned on the style away to Belper, particularly in the second half when they ran away with the game.

Jack Marfleet, Simon Ogden, with a fine individual goal, and Ben Payne also scored while youngsters Will Arthur and Josh Cather grabbed their opportunities with both hands.

Jones said: "We were very solid at the back and our creative approach play was spot on again." Grinstead entertain Reading in the fifth round of the cup this Sunday and resume league action against the same opposition on January 28.