Hockey-shockey as Ash kill off the giant (From News Shopper)

Hockey-shockey as Ash kill off the giant

6:33pm Tuesday 31st January 2006

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Burnt Ash 2nd 4 v 2 Chichester 2nd

Hockey Association Cup

BURNT Ash 2nd XI continued their giant-killing Hockey Association (HA) Trophy spree this time Chichester Priory Park from the Open Premier Division.

The more experienced oppoents fell victim to a young, focused, fit and energetic Burnt Ash side who now leave the trophy's regional stage for the national draw.

Chichester started the stronger but after five minutes they found themselves behind when a quickly-taken free hit on the edge of the circle was deflected over the keeper for Johnny Gray to net from close range.

Stunned by this Chichester fell on their heels and for 10 minutes Ash used their superior pace to pressurise the visitors.

They were duly rewarded when excellent right wing play from James Farrington drew two players and as he crossed, birthday boy Chris Waight pounced to direct the ball into the corner of the goal.

Exuding confidence Ash, gaining the upper hand, scored again this time Farrington deflecting a ball goalwards from another free hit just outside the circle.

The hosts had a momentarily lapse in concentration to concede a penalty corner which was despatched to make it 3-1 at the break.

As the second half started Chichester, currently three leagues above Burnt Ash, showed why they play in the Open Premier Division One.

They started to dominate the midfield battle and forced play well into Ash's half of the pitch.

Unfortunately for Chichester, they came up against a defence and keeper who were not going to give in and attack after attack was repelled with vigour, determination and huge amounts of character.

The longer the game went on the more dejected and ill-disciplined Chichester became and on a rare foray out of their half Ash won a short corner which was put away from close range by Gray for his second of the game.

At 4-1 up time was running out for Chichester and although they did get a goal back, it was too little too late and it was Ash who go into the hat for the next round.

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