Scorer(s): R Lane, A Langlands, G Andrew

This was a game with drama, attacking hockey and a team urged on by a vocal but good-natured group of supporters. A game with a lead established against the odds, a collapse to trail late on and a late equaliser and dramatic last minute winner. A game reminiscent of Cannock's struggles to survive in the top flight 15 years ago before there ascent to the summit of English Hockey. Unfortunately for Cannock, it was not them but Bowden who claimed this dramatic win.

Cannock began slowly with Bowden showing direct attacking intent from the start. Although Cannock had the better of the possession, it was Bowden who looked more dangerous on the attack and they took the lead from a penalty corner in the 21st minute. The visitors then made it 2-0 four minutes before the break from another well-worked penalty corner.

The second half saw Cannock step up and dominate possession, but they lacked penetration around the D and Bowden always offered a threat on the break. As time began to run out, Cannock began to click and a penalty corner strike from Richard Lane made it 2-1 with 12 minutes to go. Cannock continued to press and won a penalty flick but Andy West saw his effort saved by the Bowden 'keeper. However arguably Cannock's best move of the match saw Andy Langlands finish with an excellent reverse-stick strike and level the match.

Bowden could have had goals of their own wasting 3 good chances but in was Cannock who struck again when Gareth Andrew muscled through the middle to fire home.

Cannock now led with 5 minutes remaining but Bowden came straight back winning a penalty corner where a neat worked move led to an equalising goal. With 3 minutes to play, both teams continued to press but it was Bowden who won a penalty corner as time expired from which they claimed the winner and celebrated in front of their travelling support.

Cannock travel to face newly crowned champions Reading in the last 16 of the Euro Hockey League in Barcelona before playing host to Surbiton at home on Sunday 30th March at 2 PM.