Hockey: Firebrands turn the heat on Hounslow

'A TESTING weekend ahead which will determine how much progress we have made,' were the words of Firebrands manager, Nick Baldwin, as his squad prepared for tomorrow's visit of Hounslow, favourites for this year's championship, in a rearranged PizzaExpress First Division game and on Sunday against Old Loughtonians, writes Bill Colwill.

Firebrands, who recruited five players to their first-team squad during the summer, including Britain's top Olympic goalscorer, Rob Hill, from Havant, have not, according to their manager, got going yet. 'The newcomers are all individual players and it will take a time for them to settle,' Baldwin said.

'Last year we paid Hounslow too much respect. On Saturday we plan to take the game to them with a very positive approach.' Both sides expect to be at full strength.