Hockey: Solid start for Cannock but head coach Gary Stacey is demanding more

The Stags made it two wins from two at home this term in Conference North as they beat Deeside Ramblers 2-1.

They took the lead in the first half thanks to a quick break and a close-range finish from Stuart Gooderham – scoring on his ‘second debut’ after joining again last week.

In the second half, a penalty stroke was awarded to Cannock and Callum Stacey stepped up to make it 2-0.

They conceded towards the end but held on for a deserved victory.

“It has been promising. It is quite a young side who are still learning and still gelling,” said Stacey.

“We have lots of energy and play at a good tempo.

“The scoreline, in reality, flattered the opposition so there are things for us to work on – plenty of room to improve.

“We defended well but we should have scored more.”

The Stags make the trip to the University of Durham on Sunday and Stacey added: “Durham are unbeaten so far so it will be a big test, we look forward to it.”

In the Midlands Premier, Stourport are yet to win.

They did pick up their first point of the season, though, at the weekend, playing out a 4-4 thriller at Worcester. They take on Harborne at home on Saturday.

Old Halesonians started their season with a draw in Midlands One. Mark Curzon and Ash Greaves found the net in a 2-2 stalemate with Warwick University.

In Midlands Two, Bloxwich were on the end of a 6-1 hammering by Burton while Streetly drew 1-1 with Chesterfield.

Barry Guest, Sef Huyskens, Sunny Jheeta and Wes Price were on the mark as Aldridge & Walsall got off to a flyer.

They beat Berkswell & Balsall Common 4-0 in the West Midlands Premier.

West Bromwich had a day to forget though, being trounced 6-0 at Bromsgrove.

Stafford will look to put a 3-0 loss at Solihull Blossomfield behind them quickly too.

In West Midlands One, Wolverhampton enjoyed a 3-1 win against Leamington.

Old Wulfrunians beat Yardley 3-0 while Wednesbury were defeated 4-1 at Kings Heath Pickwick.

In the Women’s Conference West, Stourport thrashed Cannock 6-0.

Lora Symonds (two), Claire Pearson, Sarah Parkinson-Mills, Hannah Corcoran and Siena Horton got the goals.