Hockey: Wimbledon win boosts play-off hopes

By Peter Marsden

Wimbledon are within striking distance of the play-off places in the Premier Division after a 3-1 win at Hampstead & Westminster at the weekend.

This weekend they host second-placed Beeston (1.30pm) at Kings College School.

Hampstead drew first blood, winning a short corner on 14 minutes. Matt Guise Brown’s conversion was saved by keeper James Bailey only to go in off a defender’s heel.

Wimbledon responded strongly and a right wing cross found Jonny Codling on the edge of the Hampstead D and his excellent shot levelled the scores.  Chad Conlan deflected the ball in from close-range shortly afterwards.  Wimbledon struck again on 30 minutes. Ed Horler found himself one-on-one against the full-back and his reverse stick rocket of a shot gave the keeper no chance.

This was a good result for fifth-placed Wimbledon. Despite the welcome return of Johnny Coddling, Mickey Hoare and GB captain Ian Sloan, they were still without internationals Henry Weir, Ali Brogdon and Gordon McIntyre.