Guernsey dispose of big boys to reach quarters

Guernsey 4, Reading 3

GUERNSEY pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the EHA Under-15 Cup by beating 2003 winners and one of this year's favourites Reading to reach the quarter-finals. The PWC-sponsored side produced a stunning victory at Oxted Hockey Club, Surrey, which was their base for the day after Reading refused to travel to the island although the Sarnians had been drawn at home.

'This is a massive result - a real David and Goliath. Reading are the hockey equivalent of Manchester United. At senior level, they have five England players,' said Guernsey coach Nick Mahy.

In the opening minutes, Reading showed why they were one of the favourites by mounting a fast attack which saw a fierce reverse-stick shot well saved by the left glove of goalkeeper Ben McVey.

It was not long, however, before Guernsey showed the style of play that saw them beat previous opponents Yate, 7-0.

With just four minutes gone, some good approach work from Jonny Clark and Daniel Wray in midfield found Hywel Robinson on the right wing.

Using his skill and pace, he ghosted past his opponent on the outside and drove forcibly into the circle where he slipped an exquisite pass to Oliver Lepp who finished clinically past a very big and impressive Reading goalkeeper.

The lead was short-lived as Reading equalised two minutes later from a well-worked short corner, which gave McVey no chance from close range.

He was called upon to make two more good saves before Guernsey began to take control of the game.

In defence, Andrew Dawson-Ball looked impressive at left back, making a number of crucial tackles against his opposing winger.

Stephen Eulenkamp and Jonathan Branch began to impose themselves at centre back and this gave the team a good platform to launch a series of fast, direct and skilful attacks, which Reading found hard to deal with.

The midfield trio of Jonathan Taylor, Clark and Wray were skilful and dangerous in attack but, unlike the Reading players, they also defended so the opposition never had time to find any rhythm.

After 13 minutes, Robinson sprinted on to a through ball from Wray: the Reading goalkeeper misjudged his pace and was able to make only a half-save. Robinson was first to the loose ball and, on beating the keeper again, he slipped it into an empty net.

Guernsey extended their lead on 20min. when James McLaughlin moved on to a quickly taken free hit by Clark and deflected the ball through the legs of the Reading goalkeeper.

Just as Guernsey started to dominate in all areas of the pitch, a defensive error allowed Reading a quick break. They showed how dangerous they could be with time on the ball and a well-directed shot made the score 3-2.

With just five minutes of the half left, Guernsey had a series of attacks broken up by some bad tackles and from the resulting short corners, they scored their fourth goal.

Lepp dragged the ball out for Clark who easily beat the first runner and drilled it into the backboard - Guernsey were flying.

Moments later, an identical short-corner routine saw Clark beat the first player, then powerfully flick the ball into the goal. But to the disbelief of the players, coaching staff and supporters, the umpire disallowed it deeming it a hit.

In the second half, Reading reorganised, making attacking more difficult for their opponents.

Two players were given the task of marking Clark and McLaughlin was asked to defend more from left wing to help out the stretched Guernsey midfield.

Reading eventually made use of their pressure when a number of missed tackles allowed a shot to be tapped in from close range.

Guernsey then rode their luck and Reading missed a number of chances although some excellent pressure from the hard-working Sarnians never allowed their opponents to settle.

McVey was outstanding, making a number of great saves to deny Reading the chance to get back on level terms.

At one stage Guernsey went down to 10 men when Robinson was adjudged to not retreat the full five metres from a hit in. Lepp and McLaughlin showed great effort and determination to help the team defend in numbers.

As the pressure increased, Reading became frustrated and with just 10 minutes to go, they had two players sent off for reckless tackles on Wray and Clark.

Guernsey maintained their work rate and, with Eulenkamp directing the well-organised and disciplined defence, continued to make it difficult for Reading.

The island battled for everything and played the clock down to record a famous and stunning victory for local hockey.