Cannock's official opening of their new pitch at Chase Park saw them host rivals reading in a top-of-the table clash.

The game began with both sides testing each other's strength with Cannock's early penalty corner opportunities being impressively dealt with by the Reading keeper. A cagey, midfield based game saw chances at a premium and it was Reading who took full advantage of theirs to lead 1-0 at half time.

The second half continued in similar vein with chances being limited. Unfortunately for Cannock theirs went begging or were foiled by more good keeping while once again, Reading capitalised.

A final score of 3-0 may have flattered the visitors in terms of the balance of play but it was Reading who took their chances to create a 6-point lead at the top of the table with Cannock now in the chasing pack.

Scorer(s): R Lane, G Andrew

Cannock travelled to Nottingham once more to face Beeston in an attempt to defend last season's cup triumph. But it was Beeston who began better and who took a lead with an excellently taken goal.

Cannock worked their way back into the match and began to look dangerous going forward. They were rewarded shortly before half time when Richard Lane fired home a penalty corner to make it 1-1.

The second half began with some open, attacking hockey from both sides. Cannock began to press but were undone by some bad luck when a Beeston clearance deflected off the foot of a Cannock player straight to a Beeston player up field. However there was nothing lucky about a fine cross and smart finish that put the home side 2-1 up.

Beeston grew in confidence and went 3-1 up from a penalty corner, but Cannock fought back and finally got their reward when Gareth Andrew made it 3-2. Cannock battled on but could not find a late equaliser and so Beeston advance at their expense.

Later this week Cannock travel to The Hague in the Netherlands for their matches in Pool H of the inaugural Euro Hockey League where they will face Dinamo Kazan from Russia and Vienna from Austria.