hockey Firebrands burned

Firebrands, of the First Division, who elected not to seek a postponement of their fifth-round HA Cup game at Formby, although their goalkeeper and captain, Simon Mason, was with England in New Delhi, paid the penalty when they were beaten 5-3 in a penalty-stroke shoot-out by non-National League Formby after the teams had drawn 3-3.

After Stuart Blan had given the Bristol side a fourth-minute lead, Phil Capper responded with the first of three penalty- corner goals. Sam Crutchley and Duncan Haddrell completing the scoring for Firebrands.

There was no dream ending to Warwick's 10th cup game of the season at Guildford as they went down 8-0. The DTZ Midland League First Division side, who this season reached the first round proper for the first time, fought all the way but were never in the hunt after Ian Jennings sank Guildford's first penalty corner in the eighth minute. With the former Welsh international Colin Grafton sweeping, and the defender Bob Ellis working overtime, Warwick held out until the 32nd minute when Danny Hall scored the first of his four goals. The substitute Neil Powell collected a hat-trick.

At Exeter, non-League Spencer twice led Isca before going down 7-4 in extra time. In the two remaining all-Second Division battles, there were away wins for Richmond, 3-2 at Hampstead, and Westminster and Barford Tigers, 3-0 at Neston.