Devaney double inspires Sanderstead

Surrey Division Two

Barnes III 1 Sanderstead 3

A BRACE from John Devaney helped put Sanderstead 10 points clear at the top of the league and keep their promotion push firmly on track.

In atrocious weather conditions, Mark Bryan set the visitors on the way to a 12th consecutive league victory with the opening goal, before Devaney struck either side of half-time.

Despite a month-long break from hockey because of Christmas and the cold weather, the Millers showed their appetite for the title had not been lost with Martyn Avery and Dom Knolles going close early on, the latter missing a straightforward tap-in.

But the deadlock was broken on 20 minutes as Bryan swept home at a short corner.

Devaney came off the bench shortly after to double the lead, seizing the chance to convert from close range when the opposition goalkeeper failed to clear his lines.

By contrast with his opposite number, Millers goalkeeper Dan Pacitti showed great resilience and deserved praise for a fine double save to keep Barnes off the scoresheet in the first half.

Midway through the second half Mark Hunnisett fed a sweet pass to the free-roaming Richard Bruce, who travelled 40 yards unopposed before finding Devaney in space on the edge of the D.

The winger unleashed an aerial shot to deceive the keeper and establish a three-goal cushion for Sanderstead.

A powerful strike at a short corner got the better of the visitors' defensive set-piece unit, but the goal came too late to spark a Barnes comeback.

Captain Avery said: "Before the game I was worried that we had had no time to prepare ourselves for the league after a long break, so it is a relief to have taken three points.

"All the same, I know we should be fitter, sharper and more clinical than we demonstrated in this match.

"Promotion is within our grasp, but we must be preparing for hockey at a higher level, which means dominating our oppositions from start to finish."

New players of all abilities are welcome at Sanderstead.

Anyone interested should contact Martyn Avery on 07968 973305 or visit www.sandersteadhockey.com for further information.