Hockey / Hounslow hungry for League points

Hockey

BILL COLWILL

Today's match between struggling Hounslow, currently just two places above the cut-off line for next season's restructured First Division, and St Albans, is seen by Hounslow's manager, Keith Rowe, as their most important game since they won the European Cup.

"A League win is definitely most important for us," he said. "But naturally, we would like to get revenge over Havant in the Cup on Sunday for the 4-1 defeat they inflicted on us a couple of weeks ago."

Hounslow will be handicapped by injuries to two of their internationals, Jason Barrow - Adam Lewis continues in goal - and the captain Rob Thompson, who is only likely to make appearances at penalty corners.

Havant, themselves not having the best of seasons, travel to play Stourport at Kidderminster this afternoon. They have no injury problems and will be looking for three points and a place in the fourth round of the Cup.

England's penalty corner specialist, Calum Giles, who scored four goals last Sunday against Surbiton but was still on the losing side, might tip the balance in both games in Havant's favour.

There is an Asian flavour about League leaders Southgate's weekend opposition. This afternoon they entertain Barford Tigers, who drew 2-2 with Cannock last weekend, and tomorrow travel to Osterley to meet Indian Gymkhana.

Beeston, seven points clear at the top of the Second Division and the only National League side not to have dropped a point, travel to City of Portsmouth today and could surprise First Division Hull in the Cup tomorrow.