Clark brace as stubborn Sarnians defeat Woking

GUERNSEY'S PWC under-15s continued their march in the Hockey Association Cup with a sterling victory at Woking. Earlier this month, the greens overcame Gloucestershire side Wotton-under-Edge 2-0 in the opening round.

And it was the same score on Saturday as they progressed further in the national cup competition.

'The lads worked very hard and the defence was excellent,' said Guernsey coach Nick Mahy.

'They had the determination and stubbornness needed to win a tight game like this. If we do a lot of work in training, improve our mobility and don't get drawn against one of the big clubs, I am hopeful we can progress to the last 16.'

The Sarnians started the game well and created a number of good moves in the right-hand channel.

Tony Paluch showed some great individual dribbling skills to get around the back of the defence but he struggled to find any players with the final pass.

But 11 minutes into the game that was rectified as a good pass-and-move pattern between Paluch and Nick Robilliard generated space for Adam Clark to step into the D and slot the ball into the goal with a well executed flick.

For the rest of the half their Surrey opponents pressurised but had very few clear-cut chances due to the quality defending of Tom Still, Will Bishop, Zak Chatterton and Ben Fiore.

Keeper Tom Eulenkamp was also in inspired form, making top-quality saves to ensure the greens took a 1-0 lead into half-time.

The second half followed the same script as the first as after 11 minutes Clark scored.

After having picked the ball up just outside the 25-yard line, he beat one player and drove purposefully forward.

As soon as he crossed the D he dispatched an early shot with power that fooled the oncoming keeper.

The home side tried hard to create chances and midway through the half a defensive lapse by Guernsey allowed one of their players to receive the ball in the D with only Eulenkamp to beat.

But the keeper was quick off the line to repel the shot.

That seemed to break Woking's spirit as they gave everything but just could not match the determination and hard work of the greens' defensive unit.

For the final 15 minutes Guernsey chased a third goal but after numerous chances it was not to be.

Despite the win, Mahy is not getting carried away by the chances of silverware.

'We've got a long way to go if we are to get up to the standard to beat some of the better sides, but it was a positive performance,' he said.

Meanwhile, on an adjacent pitch, Guernsey over-50s were crushed 7-0 by their Woking counterparts in the opening round of the HA Vintage Cup.

'We got stuffed, we were out-played,' said Guernsey captain Richard Falla.

'They were a little bit better than us and they had one of those days when everything they did clicked. We were probably three or four players short and we couldn't paper over the cracks.

'I'm disappointed with our performance. We should have been more competitive but it didn't go for us on the day.'

The older Sarnians now go into the plate competition where they have been drawn to face Maidenhead at home in February.

'Hopefully the performance will be better,' said Falla.