Hockey: Reading hoping for a change of fortune

READING, BACK from their European Indoor challenge last weekend, will feel that they have not had too much going for them in recent weeks.

But home advantage on their water-based pitch might just give them the edge this weekend. However, without their captain Jon Wyatt and Manpreet Kochar, they may still find it tough in today's Premier League fixture against leaders Cannock. Cannock themselves will be without their leading goal-scorer, Bobby Crutchley.

Struggling Hounslow travel to Canterbury today and make the journey across London to Southgate for a cup game tomorrow but will be missing Olympic gold medallist Jon Potter for both encounters.

Reading entertain Canterbury in the quarter-finals of the EHA Cup tomorrow while holders Cannock return home to face the only non-Premier club left in the competition, Lewes.

Division One leaders Surbiton and Chelmsford will be looking to put points on the board before their South African players fly out tomorrow night for the Test series against Australia. Although they only expect to miss games on 7 March they will be tired on their return so it is essential to avoid slipping up tomorrow.

Surbiton are at home to fifth- placed Barford Tigers while Chelmsford entertain newly-promoted Eastcote.

Jane Smith's 11 goals in Slough's 8-2 and 6-3 wins against Glasgow Western and Lokomitiva Raca from Slovakia gave the English club champions a splendid start in the European Indoor Club Championship in Glasgow yesterday.

Today's game against Spain's Real Sociedad, also unbeaten, will decide the Pool winners.