Hockey: Robinson will give Blackburn a boost

BLACKBURN NORTHERN may have changed their name a few times on the way from Great Harwood but one player remains - Val Robinson, who won the first of her 149 English caps in 1963 and ended her international career in 1984, the year Karen Brown began hers.

Robinson will fill the right of midfield as Blackburn take on all-conquering Slough in Sunday's EHA Cup fourth-round tie. Unfortunately for Brown - who made her international debut in the same side as Robinson - she suffered concussion against Ipswich two weeks ago and will be missing from the Slough line-up.

The Blackburn centre- forward Karen Jackson, who is likely to benefit from Robinson's precision passing, spoke of the excitement at the club. "We are going to enjoy the occasion. It's not often you get the chance to play against internationals. It will be a great experience for teenagers like Jill Perks and Louise Clement."

Jackson added a word of caution however: "Oh, by the way, our goalkeeper Chris Lyson has bought a new chest protector." She may need it.

In a draw in which all the Premier sides avoid each other, the tie of the round is the visit of Jane Sixsmith's Sutton Coldfield to Woking, the high-flying Surrey side on full points at the top of the Second Division.

Woking, who disappointed last season, have flourished since Ian Jennings took over last June. Kate White and Kath James joined them from Trojans and Sutton, resting at the bottom of the Premier log, find themselves in for a potentially difficult afternoon.