HOCKEY: Vauxhall defeats Royston IIs

The previous meeting had ended in a draw, but goals from Ash Mahmood, Sharukh Hussain and Zahid Khan enabled the Luton team triumph.

A strong start from the home side saw intricate link play down both flanks putting the visiting defence under pressure.

Vauxhall took the lead through Mahmood’s strike, while they never looked like conceding.

Frustrations from the visitors began to tell as Vauxhall’s defence frequently managed to recover the ball whenever Royston attempted to getforward and break quickly on the counter attack.

A professional attitude helped Vauxhall retain their lead going into half time, as Royston emerged for the second half playing two strikers, which created more gaps in midfield for Vauxhall to exploit.

Promising youngster Hussain produced a sublime run on the left flank as he jinked his way into the scoring circle and coolly slotted past the impressive Royston keeper.

Vauxhall’s third came when Amjid Ali’s shot on goal was stopped by a Royston body and Khan dispatched the penalty flick firmly into the corner with 10 minutes to go.

The Luton side saw out victory without their keeper having to touch the ball and this weekend they are the road with a trip to West Herts IVs.