Scorer(s): G Andrew 1, R Lane

Cannock brought the first half of their Slazenger England Hockey League campaign to an emphatic end with an excellent 3-2 home win over champions Reading. The first half began with both sides probing and it was Reading who probably had more of the possession. The visitors took the lead after 14 minutes when a cross found it's way to the far post for a tap in. Cannock attempted to hit back but couldn't quite create clear chances with Reading often breaking down the play with physical challenges. Meanwhile Reading continued to look dangerous forcing Cannock's 'keeper James Fair into action on several occasions. The half ended with Reading on top but with the game very much in the balance.

The second half started with Cannock attempting to wrest the initiative, and while they were enjoying more possession, clear-cut opportunities were still at a premium. Reading threatened on the break but some sound defending by Cannock also limited their chances.

The game really opened up when Cannock worked an opening down the right. Stuart Pilgrim's cross made it to the far post where captain-on-the-pitch, Richard Lane smuggled the ball home past Reading 'keeper Nick Brothers. The Reading defence complained and ironically, it was the more experienced team and defending champions whose composure deserted them.

Cannock continued to press with Richard Lane and Harry Jawanda working hard in the midfield. They got their reward when Gareth Andrew forced his way in along the right-hand by-line and saw his cross deflected in to give Cannock the lead. Reading now lost focus completely and more good play released Andrew again and he squeezed his shot between Brothers and the post to put Cannock 3-1 up.

Cannock's third goal did provoke a Reading response and an intelligent long ball saw the ball deflected into the goal to make it 3-2 with 14 minutes to play. Reading now began to pressurise the Cannock goal and force more saves from Fair and some excellent last-ditch defending by Ross Hayward and the rest of the Cannock defence.

Cannock withstood several penalty corners and created one or two half chances on the break. When Reading swapped their 'keeper for an 11th outfield player with 2 minutes to go, it was Cannock's young team who held their nerve and held on to claim an impressive 3-2 victory.

Gareth Andrew's brace moves him to equal top-scorer in the Premier Division with 10 goals with David Harris and Richard Lane just 2 and 3 goals behind respectively. A superb first half of the season sees Cannock 3 points clear of Reading at the top of the table and with draws for East Grinstead and Beeston, Cannock are 8 points clear of 4th place with the top 3 teams qualifying for Europe.

Cannock return to Slazenger England Hockey League action at home to Havant on Sunday 1st February 2009.