HOCKEY: Worthing beat Eastbourne to go top

Just two points separate the top three teams which leaves everything still to play for, and Worthing's David Edmondson believes his side must win all three of their remaining games to win the league '“ the first of which is at Blackheath on Saturday.

He said: "It was a big relief to get back to winning ways, especially after the Guernsey trip as we could have possibly slipped up.

"We were very grateful that Blackheath beat Eastbourne two weeks ago and our result against them on Saturday has put the title race back into our own hands.

"We've been there before, but these results have given us another chance.

"It's now a case of winning our games but the game this weekend won't be easy. Away to Blackheath is a tough away trip but it's a massive game.

"We changed things around against Eastbourne, reverting back to just two upfront, and calling in the experienced John Massie to play as a sweeper.

"This strengthened us up and gave some solidity in the middle. I expect we will play it again on Saturday."

With Grant Sawyer and Dan Ginnaw leading the line, Worthing started brightly and excellent play from Chris Sciandro fed Ginnaw, who won a short corner. And Alex Warner stepped up and buried the ball past Eastbourne's keeper with an unstoppable shot to give Worthing the perfect start.

However, Eastbourne showed why they were top of the league, and pinned Worthing back to defend for a 10-minute period.

The pressure paid off when David Beales was adjudged to have tripped an Eastbourne forward and Eastbourne converted the resultant penalty.

With Massie as cover, Warner had the freedom to push forward which resulted in another short corner. Although the initial shot was saved, Andy Moore fired home the rebound to put Worthing 2-1 ahead at the break.

Despite Eastbourne pressing forward in the second period, Worthing stood strong and attacked on the counter. And when Mark Humphries won another short corner, Warner made no mistake and sent his shot into the top corner.

Worthing then saw out the game for a well-earned three points.

WORTHING: Binns; Shepherd, Godber, Beales, Williams, Warner, Massie, Humphries, Sciandro, Ginnaw, Sawyer. Subs: Burriss, Atkinson, Moore, Ansell.

Experience and youth were both among the goals as Penguin recorded an emphatic 7-2 victory over New Beccehamian.

Captain Dave Matthews netted five times, while youngsters Moaz Hamid and Jamie Bowley were also on target.

Hamid and Bowley were joined by Luke Munro, Mark Jewell and Rupert Ireland as Penguin fielded their youngest team of the season in their Division 1 clash.

Team manager Robin Melvin said: "It was good to see such a young team perform so well and it looks hopeful for next season.

"It's rare to see one player score five in a game but Dave Matthews played superbly and scored from every angle. He created chances and took goals few players are capable of. He was brilliant."

In the first half, the goal tally got to five as Penguin's goal machine fired on all cylinders. Matthews bagged three, while Hamid skilfully scored a reverse-stick strike from the top of the goal area, and Bowley converted by lifting his strike high over the diving keeper.

After the break, Penguin could not keep the intensity of the attack going and New Beccehamian rallied and managed two quick goals after the restart to make it 5-2.

The goals gave Penguin a wake-up call and they lifted their game with strong defending from Rob Martin-Cramp and Tom Ramirez.

The midfield attacking duo of Neil Watkins and Andy Burchett then created more chances and Matthews converted another two goals.

Southwick also recorded a thumping victory on Saturday in Division 1, and beat bottom-of-the-table Bexley Invicta 10-2.

In Sussex League Division 1, Littlehampton recorded a 3-2 victory over high-flying Crowborough 2nd.

Littlehampton trailed 1-0 at half-time but went close when Jon Miles hit the bar.

Miles crossed for Stuart Sexton to level in the second half but Crowborough soon regained the lead.

James Macdonald then had an effort cleared off the line and Tony Thompson hit a post before Sexton drew Littlehampton level. Colin Warner then hit the winner.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing sport.

Click here to return to Gazette sport.

Click here to go back to Shoreham sport.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]