Hockey
First defeat for the champions

Khalsa 4 West Bridgford 6

CHAMPIONS Khalsa surrendered their 100 per cent Midland League Premier Division record against second placed West Bridgford on Saturday.

Khalsa went into the clash on the back of 19 straight league victories and despite the setback they still remain 15 points clear at the top with just two games remaining.

Lethargic Khalsa paid the penalty for a slow start as they conceded two goals in quick succession.

It stung the leaders into action with Gurminder Ghattaura, Mickey Hayer and Dharminder Singh all going close before the interval but the visitors increased their advantage from a penalty corner five minutes into the second half.

Ghattaura opened Khalsa’s account after Pummi Singh had unlocked the visitors defence, while a sublime finish from Surinder Saini further reduced the arrears.

West Bridgford restored their two goal cushion but they were immediately pegged back when Ghattaura pounced from a short corner.

Influential midfielder Jas Singh went agonisingly close to grabbing an equaliser but West Bridgford scored again from another sloppily conceded short corner five minutes from time.

Aaron Nagra converted a short corner to set up a frantic finish but with Khalsa pressing for an equaliser they were caught on the break and tasted defeat for the first time this season.

Khalsa visit fourth placed Stourport this Saturday.

The 2nds clinched promotion to Midlands One following an emphatic 6-1 victory over Redditch.

Hot-shot Anit Chudasama led the way with a double to which Jiwan Singh Sidhu, Ricky Atwal, Jay and Sav Lall added.

Khalsa need to win one of their last two games to be crowned champions and emulate the first team.

The 3rds defeated Solihull Blossomfield 2-1 thanks to a goal in each half from Ravinder Singh Bharaj and Parminder Singh Birdi, while keeper Gurcharan Singh,took the man of the match award for a string of good saves.