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Guildford: 4 - 5 East Grinstead

Slazenger English Hockey League Premier Division

Karl Stagno, (PS) 14              Ashley Jackson, (PC) 4

Danny Hall, (F) 18                 Ashley Jackson, (F) 9

Danny Hall, (F) 26                  Ben Payne, (F) 17

Danny Hall, (F) 52                  Dave de Prez, (PC) 25

                                          Darren Cheesman, (F) 53

VW Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead can be proud of yet another very professional performance away from home to Guildford, where, despite the absence of 3 of the squad, they turned in a thrilling display of attacking hockey.

The hosts were made to chase their tails for the opening 10 minutes as EG came out hard and fast, creating a handful of chances seemingly at will. A penalty corner awarded in the 4^th minute after some dazzling approach play by the visitors was duly despatched into the top left hand corner by young Ashley Jackson which was just reward for their early endeavours.

Boosted by their deserved lead, EG pressed forward with Ben Payne continuing his fine form from last week ably assisted by Jackson, Cheesman and De Prez. In Mark Pearn’s absence, midfield marshal Glenn Kirkham bossed from the middle, and it was Kirkham along with his midfield counterparts of Scott Ashdown and Jack Marfleet that created an opportunity for Jackson to skip into the circle and bury a stunning reverse stick finish into the bottom right hand corner.

A rare foray by Guildford seemed to catch the now confident EG side unawares 5 minutes later and they were awarded a penalty corner for their efforts which was ably saved by captain Richard Payne on the post but it was adjudged to have hit his foot. A penalty stroke was awarded which was narrowly put away much to the disgust of keeper Harris who came close to parrying.

This gave the hosts some confidence which spelt a quick-fire period of end to end exchanges which Grinstead capitalised on first with another lightening quick counter that saw Ben Payne dance through the Guildford defence and mesmerise the crowd with a first class reverse flick high into the top right hand corner. Having restored their two goal advantage at 3-1, EG looked very comfortable however their lead was cut back again when a defensive lapse saw Guildford score against the run of play.

Undeterred by the setback, EG persevered and in the 24^th minute another penalty corner slung in from Jackson, cannoned back off the crossbar into the path of Dave de Prez who thundered his shot into the backboard. With 6 goals already scored in the opening 24 minutes, few would have thought more could come from this stunning half of top flight hockey but it was Guildford who bounced back with a freakish goal that eluded the EG defence by bouncing high into their circle and was deftly hoisted above the oncoming Harris.

Time to take a deep breath and ponder on how the second half would shape up but not before EG assessed their positive first half display, if not slightly bemused by the slender lead.

With everything to play for and very much on form, EG took the game once more to their hosts, but try as they might, the 10 man defence of Guildford continued to thwart their attempts and it was this frustration that turned to despair 15 minutes in when a long pass to their lone centre forward caught Grinstead out. At 4-4 and with twenty minutes to play, Grinstead’s hard working defence of Richard Payne, Simon Ogden, Josh Cather and Mark Justice stood firm and found their final gear. With their now familiar, never say die attitude, EG dug deep and pounced back after a quick free hit on the left of the Guildford circle which was deftly fired across the hosts’ goal where Darren Cheesman was on hand to coolly slot home for what turned out to be the winner in this fine display of attacking premiership hockey.

After a frustrating result last week having to settle for a point at home, EG have returned to their winning ways and continue their 100% away win record. With other results going their way this weekend it means that the Sussex side sit proudly on top of the National Premiership with 10 points from the first 5 games.

“I’m very impressed with the squad which is now finding it’s feet after absorbing our summer signings. We were especially keen to make amends for last weekend’s frustrating draw and to demonstrate what we are capable of, which we did admirably. It’s all the more heart warming that we are putting in performances like this and achieving results whilst missing members of the squad, which shows that we now have the depth and professionalism necessary at this level to truly compete. Having said that, we are only a short way into what is proving to be a tight and competitive season and it’s clear that no team looks likely to run away with the title” Matt Jones, Manager.

This Sunday 12^th November at 2pm, VW Sidlow East Grinstead HC host last year’s league champions Cannock in what could turn out to be one of the games of the season. A win in this vital encounter for EG would further improve their title aspirations and distance them from other title hopefuls.

Free admission and parking is available and all visitors are very welcome to come along and watch this fixture and support EG. The Clubhouse bar will be open to all visitors, where hot food will be served, as well as beverages at the pitch side bar. Do come along and support  East Grinstead HC; the current National Indoor Champions and current National Premier League leaders at East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill Road, East Grinstead this Sunday.

View match photos here