Vinson vindicated as Southgate hit six

Hockey

Hockey

BILL COLWILL

David Vinson's decision to rest the internationals John Shaw and Soma Singh following their return from the Olympic qualifying tournament in Barcelona and stick with a winning side worked well as his young Southgate team cruised to a 6-0 success over Bournville on Saturday.

Southgate now stand two points clear at the top of the First Division of the National League after their nearest challengers, Cannock and Reading, both threw away valuable points yesterday.

Cannock got off to a dream start against Guildford with goals from Bobby Crutchley and Ian Hughes-Rowlands inside two minutes and were three up after 23 minutes with a Chris Mayer strike. However, they then lost their way completely and ended up drawing 3-3.

Reading were also in a generous mood giving away a two- goal lead against Teddington at Broom Road in a drab game on a poor pitch.

In the Second Division, Mike Huckle scored twice as Beeston retained their 100 per cent record with a 2-1 win against Sheffield.

In Saturday's rearranged HA Cup fifth round there were no shocks with wins for Guildford, Havant, Old Loughtonians, Reading and Teddington. They now join Southgate, East Grinstead and Canterbury in today's quarter- final draw.