Hockey: Daly back for Cannock encounter

There is an early return to indoor hockey for teams in the quarter-finals of the England Hockey Cup and for Surbiton and Cannock in the National League this weekend.

There is an early return to indoor hockey for teams in the quarter-finals of the England Hockey Cup and for Surbiton and Cannock in the National League this weekend.

The defending champions Cannock will be looking to make up ground on leaders Reading in the Men's Premier when they visit the Surrey club. Surbiton edged out Cannock 11-8 when the teams met at Kidderminster last Saturday, but this afternoon's squads will be much changed.

Matt Daly, England's young striker and corner specialist, who would have been suspended for the postponed December fixture between the two, is available for Surbiton.

Cannock are at home to Old Loughtonians tomorrow in the only all-Premier tie of the EH Cup quarter-finals. The holders Reading travel to Belper, with Guildford hosting Southgate.

The Loughborough Students against Holcombe game has been brought forward to this afternoon to allow the Surrey club to compete in the Indoor League play-off tournament at Haslemere tomorrow.

Holcombe, currently leading the Third Division, six points clear of Whitchurch, are capable of springing a surprise. They did so against the Premier League club Teddington in the fourth round, when they overcame a 3-0 half-time deficit to win 4-3.