Coach Williams still positive after loss

Reading 2

Hampstead and Westminster 0

HAMPSTEAD and Westminster failed to replicate their pre-season form and were beaten at Reading in the opening match of the English Hockey League Premier Division season on Sunday.

The Paddington Rec outfit, under new boss Todd Williams, had been aiming to make an immediate impact after an impressive pre-season that saw them bag a brace of victories away to French side St Germain.

Williams' men started well but were soon up against it when the hosts netted against the run of play midway through the first half, before doubling their lead early in the second half.

But, despite the defeat, coach Williams found positives in his men's display.

"I was quite pleased with the performance," said Williams.

"We started well and competed well throughout the game. We consistently attacked and their first goal was against the run of play. In the second half they scored after we got caught in possession.

"While we are not satisfied with the result, the fact that we caused Reading problems throughout the match was pleasing."

Reading took the lead in the 19th minute when Simon Mantell netted from open play and the home side continued the momentum to go in 1-0 ahead at half-time.

The hosts doubled their lead soon after the restart when Jonty Clark scored with a penalty stroke in the 37th minute.

Hampstead were then forced on the offensive when newcomer Jaime Gonzalez-Laguillo was yellow-carded but the visitors stood firm to rebuff the attack until the Spaniard returned.

Hampstead's hopes of taking something from the game were raised when Reading had two players yellow-carded but were unable to make their numerical advantage pay off.

Hampstead hope to get some points on the board when they welcome Surbiton on Saturday.

Hampstead squad: Fox, Beard, Benecke, Bevan, Chima, Cooper, Cornick, Eakins, Gonzalez-Laguillo, Naylor, Perry, Roberts, Roche, Scanlon, Swainson, Walsh