Leicester take up challenge

hockey

Two wins this weekend from their game against Balsam Leicester and their rescheduled fixture against Chelmsford will put Slough well on the way to their fourth Premier title in the six years of the National League.

Leicester, however, the only team to take points off Slough this season in a goalless draw in their first encounter last October, and the defending champions, have different ideas.

"We are looking forward to the game. The girls are happy playing Slough and enjoy the challenge," the Leicester coach, Mike Hamilton, said after Wednesday night's training. "We have made our plans which are to play to our strengths. Take the game to Slough, focus on what we are doing and if we do what we do in practice, hopefully we will take three points."

Hamilton is well aware of the loss of key players and the psychological effect it has had on team performance; Kath Johnson is expecting her first baby shortly, and Jill Moss has retired. He is also aware that goals have been too scarce to mount a real title challenge. With this in mind, the promising 18-year-old, Lesley Irvine, will be given her first league outing in one of the wing-forward positions.

Slough expect to be at full strength for the two games with Sue Knight, who missed England's games against Scotland last week, back in goal. It is difficult to see the Berkshire side, unbeaten this season in league and cup, finishing the weekend with anything less than full points.