East Grinstead turned in their best home performance of the season at a wet and windy Saint Hill on Saturday, as they swamped Hampstead & Westminster 7-2.  Short corner specialist Jackson scored three times, including two from open play, and Ben Payne also bagged a hat-trick.

Having failed to win their three previous home games, the pressure was on but Grinstead showed no signs of it as they overpowered their visitors to secure a win which keeps them just three points off top spot in the premier division of the National League.

Grinstead twice led in the first half through Jackson and Payne only to be pegged back on each occasion by goals from Andy Cornick but Jackson's second of the contest gave them a 3-2 interval lead.

In the second half Grinstead ran away with things as Jackson and Payne completed trebles while Rob Adams scored a screamer for his first premiership goal.

Manager Matt Jones said: "It was a good all-round performance, very exciting to watch and much deserved.  Ashley and Ben performed very well and took their opportunities but they were just doing their jobs in finishing off some fabulous flowing moves.  The side as a whole performed incredibly well and I could not single out anybody.  We proved the fact we had not won at home was not down to a demon but coincidence. The players showed they are more than capable.

With Saturday's hat-trick under his belt, Jackson should make his senior debut for England in Tuesday night's friendly against Holland in Hilversum.  It is the next step on the road of success for Jackson, who broke into Grinstead's first team as a 16-year-old and has since represented his country at under-16, under-18 and B level.

Jackson is one of three uncapped players named in the 16-man squad as coach Jason Lee looks to increase competition for places.

Lee said: "Harry Jawanda, Adam Harper and Ashley Jackson have performed well for England under-21s and it will be interesting to see how they handle the step up to senior international hockey.  If we want them to be competitive with the established players in the current squad, then we need to provide them with opportunities to appreciate what is required of them at this level."

Jackson will have clubmate Glenn Kirkham alongside him in Holland tonight.  Kirkham, the England joint captain, was originally rested for this match but received a late call-up when Beeston's Alistair Wilson pulled out with a hamstring injury.

With two of his players in the squad, Jones is proud and he hopes the match can launch a successful senior England career for Jackson.  He said: "We are really pleased for Ashley and wish him all the best. It demonstrates that East Grinstead is a good environment for Ashley to be in both culturally and performance wise.  It reflects well on the club but rightfully so.

Photo taken by John O'Brien - First Focus Photography

Report based on article by Howard Griggs - The Argus - 28th November 2006

Scorers: Ben Payne 3; Ashley Jackson 3; Rob Adams 1

Man of the Match as voted by spectators: Ben Payne

View match photos here