As you were in promotion push after week of draws

It's as you were in the South Premier Division 2 promotion race after a weekend of draws at the top of the table.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2016, 15:00 BST

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Hockey, South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Holcombe A. Pic Steve Robards SR1607617 SUS-160703-154849001Hockey, South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Holcombe A. Pic Steve Robards SR1607617 SUS-160703-154849001
Hockey, South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Holcombe A. Pic Steve Robards SR1607617 SUS-160703-154849001

With London Edwardians pretty much home and hosed as champions, the race for the second promotion place turned into a battle of nerves at the weekend as the three contenders – Horsham, Winchester and Tulse Hill – all managed only a single point.

Winchester needed all three points to realistically improve their chances of progressing. However, despite taking the lead due to a freak goal, they generally gave second best to a Horsham squad who toughed-out a vital point.

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Horsham arrived with a squad of 16 but skipper Duncan Howarth pulled up lame within five minutes of starting. Chas Richardson, who netted two the previous week, followed shortly after with a bang to his big toe, needing an x-ray to see if it is broken.

Winchester’s goal was either a freak or a fluke and almost certainly shouldn’t have been allowed.

Horsham net-minder Andy Isaacs’ party trick is toe-punting the ball the length of the pitch but, as he lined up the play, a Winchester forward controversially rushed him, stole the ball and tapped-in.

Isaacs had a head-cam and will refer the footage for the league to review but the umpire’s decision stands. Elsewhere, Isaacs made some solid saves as the defence withstood eight Winchester short corners.

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Horsham did manage to find the net from a short corner, John Burroughs netting a training ground special.

Horsham manager Al Campbell was circumspect about the outcome and said: “Before the game we really needed to win all of our remaining games and, with the other contenders drawing, nothing has change. We had most of the play and should have won – however no great damage done.

Horsham have three games remaining, and a clean sweep will win them promotion, Next week they meet bottom side Oxford Hawks and will be looking to improve their goal difference.

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Related topics:Winchester