Hockey: Gallen's cup is brimming

THE Hampstead captain, Kevin Gallen, could hardly have been happier after hearing that his giant-killers had been drawn at home yesterday to Northampton Saints from the Midland First Division in the fifth round of of the Royal Bank of Scotland Hockey Association Cup. The draw ensures that at least one of the non- National League sides will go through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Gallen said: 'Beating Neston was a great confidence booster. We are stunned with the luck of the draw.' The New Zealander added: 'Our No 1 priority is winning the Peroni South League and going into the National League, a quarter-final place would be an added bonus.'

Second Division Beeston, who notched up eight goals against Swalwell in the last round, are more than satisfied with their home draw against Slough, cup winners on four occasions.

Beeston's manager, Graham Griffiths, said: 'We view this as a chance to test our talents against quality opposition.'

Another intriguing contest will be the visit of Indian Gymkhana, second in the National League Second Division, to the leaders, Reading. The holders, Hounslow, travel to Harleston to face Second Division Magpies.

ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND HA CUP Fifth- round draw Guildford v Stourport; East Grinstead v Sheffield; Canterbury v Cannock; Reading v Indian Gymkhana; Hampstead and Westminster v Northampton Saints; Beeston v Slough; Harleston Magpies v Hounslow; Redbridge and Ilford or Isca v Teddington. (Ties to be played 14 December).

Mandy Nicholls, Great Britain's Olympic striker, and the 31-year-old Lorraine Marsden are the only new caps in England's indoor squad for the European Nations' Cup at Crystal Palace from 8 to 10 January.

ENGLAND INDOOR WOMEN'S SQUAD (for European Nations' Cup, Crystal Palace, 8-10 January): L Bollington (capt), J Green, C Harvie (all Chelmsford), J Thompson, S Lister (both Ipswich), S Wright, S Chandler (both Slough), L Marsden, F Lee, J Crook, C Reid (all Hightown), M Nicholls (Ealing).