Hockey: Crostyx rely on Allkins to save day

CHELMSFORD and Brean, the two PizzaExpress National League clubs fighting to retain their League status, had mixed fortunes on the first day of the National League play-offs at Olton yesterday, writes Bill Colwill.

Chelmsford, slow starters in their game against the East champions, Crostyx, owed their 1-0 victory to a splendid first half display of goalkeeping from Colin Allkins.

After the interval it was Crostyx's turn to come under pressure as Chelmsford's right winger, Paul Morris, caused all sorts of problems. It was his free hit from just outside the circle which set up the only goal for Adrian Heelis.

Richard Atherson, with a penalty corner goal after 11 minutes, gave Brean a good start in their game against Edgbaston before the Somerset club lost their way, and the match, 3-1.

Edgbaston's goals came from Mark Mullis, David Sutherland and an individual effort by Alan Miller who ran half the length of the pitch to score as Brean's goalkeeper Graham Mutton stayed rooted to his line.

Sheffield fell behind to an early goal by Gloucester's Adrian Bennett but then scored twice through Mark Anderson and Jon Bray. However, with a minute left 16-year old Mark Pearn, who had been a constant danger to the Sheffield defence, set up Mark Summerwell for a well deserved equaliser.

Mark Hoskin, with three first half goals, set up Oxford University's 8-1 win against Anchorians after Andy Simmons had surprised the students with a goal in the eighth minute. After the interval Oxford's captain, Grant Edwards, scored a hat-trick. Two more goals from Jason Ralph completing the scoring.