Hockey: Reading call up Marlborough man: Stourport rely on Knott and Sherwani against Havant

CHRISTOPH EIMER, a German student at Marlborough College, is included in the Reading squad for their PizzaExpress First Division game at home to pointless Bournville tomorrow. Eimer, from Neuss, is captain of the college under-18 side, writes Bill Colwill.

Reading, also seeking their first points, will be without their captain and leading National League goalscorer, Paddy Osborn. Havant expect to have their player-coach, David Faulkner, back in the squad and be at full strength against Stourport for the day's televised game, while the Midland club will be without Ben McConkey, due to an England Under-18 training weekend.

Stourport's manager, Colin Jones, was hopeful of victory. 'With the old firm of Knott and Sherwani still scoring goals and Andy Watson getting back to form in midfield we are optimistic. We'll have our hair cut and smiles ready for the cameras so watch us go for full points.'

Hounslow travel to Slough with a full squad while the local side are without Matt Ashton. Southgate face Firebrands at Bristol with Duncan Woods, signed from St Albans in their squad. He will join forces with Bill Waugh, his captain in England's Under-21 World Cup squad. Simon Nicklin returns to the Teddington side against Trojans.