Bournemouth lock down top spot

Charlie Cooper and Tom Salmon scored twice each as Bournemouth beat third placed Staines 4-1 to go into the pandemic lockdown top of South Hockey League Premier Division 2 West.
After six matches, five of which they have won, Bournemouth enjoy a three-point lead over Southgate, who have played a game less.
Bournemouth started at a face pace at Worpole Road, the strong forward press creating three circle entries in the opening phase, the pressure eventually being rewarded when Will  Davies forced a short corner and Tom Salmon fired home the resulting drag flick.
The goal gave Bournemouth confidence and it wasn’t long before their lead was doubled – a Staines foot on the goal line denying the Lions a second.  Charlie Cooper (pictured above) calmly converted the resulting penalty stroke.
By half-time Bournemouth had established an unassailable 3-0 lead – the Staines goalkeeper blocking Salmon’s initial short corner shot, but beaten by his follow-up finish off the rebound.
Predictably, Staines changed tact and pressed Bournemouth after the break, but the visitors held firm at the back until 20 minutes into the period when Saj Rana rifled a shot from a narrow angle past Jez Baker.
It proved only a consolation goal as Bournemouth quickly regrouped with Cooper putting the result beyond doubt with his second goal and the Lions’ fourth before the end.