COLCHESTER 1

EAST LONDON II 0

East Men's Hockey League division two south

COLCHESTER Hockey Club men's first team captain Rob Askam believes their impressive win over third-placed side East London shows they can compete with any side in the division.

Ben Parker's strike proved enough to give the hosts victory at the Garrison and make it three straight wins, in division two south.

Askam said: "It was an amazing win and a great help to move us up and boost the confidence.

"A win against a top-three club in our league shows we can do it.

"It's a shame this wasn't the case at the start of the season as we could be fighting for promotion but I'm happy with the success the team has bought near the end of a hard season.

"It shows the determination of the Colchester squad.

"We've had the same team and the commitment from the team has shown we're starting to bond as a unit and as you can see by the wins that it's paying off.

"East London were good. They were very structured and it was one of the toughest games this side of the season.

"But the win shows we have the ability to do it and hopefully next season, we keep the same team and have a fighting chance.

Parker bagged Colchester's winner from a very acute angle from the baseline, lopping the East London keeper.

Craig Handford also had a great deflection strike disallowed while keeper Jimmy McRae, who was Colchester's man of the match, saved a penalty flick and made some incredible saves throughout.

"We worked hard and with only one sub, the team pushed hard until the end," said Askam.

"We missed our chances and they missed theirs.

"With East London having a run of about seven short corners in a row due to me getting hit four times in the toes and hand) at the end of the game it was very stressful.

"The team worked hard and I would say it was a pretty fair result."

Colchester travel to play Chelmsford's seconds this weekend, looking to maintain their winning form.

Askam added: "It's a very exciting game and a win would move us to a respectable position, if Felixstowe and Blueharts draw or lose.

"We're looking forward to it and hopefully it'll be another winning match report."