BEESTON CLOSE THE GAP

BEESTON  3 – 1 CANNOCK

Beeston pulled themselves to within a point of League leader, East Grinstead, with a convincing win over second placed, Cannock.

The first half was dominated by an impressive goalkeeping display by Great Britain keeper, James Fair. Beeston had four penalty strikes and contained Cannock to none. The young Cannock side were workman-like and structured, but never looked capable of running away with the points. A half- chance fell to Mark Wadsley in the 21st minute, but a goal-less first half probably summed up the game at this point.

Beeston awoke from their slumber in the second-half. The Bees took the lead two minutes after the break when former Cannock striker, Stuart Pilgrim, connected with an Adam Dixon right wing cross. Three minutes later Dixon and Pilgrim linked together and Ireland international, David Ames, swept Beeston into a 2-0 lead.

Cannock pulled one back in the 48th minute through the busy Nick Bandurak who followed up a shot that bounced back to him from a friendly goal-post.

The Bees finally put the result to bed when Adam Dixon’s goal bound penalty corner hit a defender and the Bees were awarded a penalty stroke in the 51st minute. Up stepped Paddy Schmidt and with typical German efficiency, he scored from the spot to give the Bees a well-deserved home victory.

Great Britain defender, Alastair Wilson, who was a class act throughout the match, summed up the win. “It was a typical Midland derby match, but we felt we were always in control of our destiny. The win closes the points gap at the top and has us breathing down the neck of East Grinstead.”

Beeston starts its defence of the England Hockey Cup next Sunday. The holders have been drawn away in Round 2, against Midlands Premier opposition, Rugby and East Warwick. The tie takes place on Sunday 30th October, 2.00pm at Rugby School.