Cannock go top after magnificent seven

Oct 9 2008

Cannock 7 Bowdon 1

Slazenger England Hockey League Premier Division

Cannock produced another excellent performance to celebrate the successful opening of their new TigerTurf pitch.  Over 100 invited guests saw MP Sir Patrick Cormack declare Cannock’s second world class pitch open.

And just over an hour later, David Harris tapped home Cannock’s first Slazenger England Hockey League goal on the new surface to give Cannock an early lead against Bowdon.  Moments later it was 2-0 as Harris ran on to a bouncing ball and smashed an unstoppable shot over the head of the Bowdon ‘keeper.

Cannock continued to dominate playing attractive attacking hockey and stretched their lead with another bullet strike as Michael Johnson scored with a memorable reverse stick strike.  And just before the break new signing Will Pearce scored his first league goal for Cannock to make it 4-0. Cannock’s afternoon continued to improve as David Harris completed his hat trick form a penalty corner 2 minutes into the second half.  Cannock were playing some excellent hockey but Bowdon began to fight back creating some half chances before Harris scored his 4th and Cannock’s 6th.  A Richard Lane penalty stroke made it 7 with just over 10 minutes to go after which Cannock relaxed a little.  Bowdon took advantage creating a number of opportunities before former Cannock favourite Andy Brogdon finally pulled one back.

So Cannock sit at the top of the table after two consecutive 7-1 victories.  However they face a tough test of their early season form away at Surbiton on Sunday.