HOCKEY: City of Peterborough youngsters reach National semi-final

The city side, coached by former Welsh international Mike Yeoman, lost at the semi-final stage to eventual champions Harleston Magpies. They were unbeaten in their previous 14 matches which involved victory in the East Regional Finals earlier this month.

City beat Winchester 2-1 and Deeside Ramblers 3-1, and drew with Cheltenham and Beeston 2-2 on finals weekend to earn their semi-final slot.

Peter Taylor scored a winning goal 14 seconds from the end of the Winchester match following a strong run from Oscar Sadikot. Sam Anderson had earlier fired City ahead from a short corner in a game that featured an excellent display from stand-in ‘keeper Ieuan Williams.

Manish Patel grabbed a second-half equaliser against Cheltenham after Anderson had again given City the lead from a set-piece before City came from a goal down to beat Deeside with goals from Oscar Sadikot (2) and Manish Patel.

Patel and Anderson scored against Beeston, while City goalkeeper Cameron Goodey, who had rushed to the venue after keeping a clean sheet for City of Peterborough first XI, saved a penalty stroke.

The draw was enough for City to reach the semi-finals as group runners-up, but a classy Harleston side proved too strong. Nicky Reddy and Patel scored the City goals.

City official Munir Sadikot said: “Wow what an amazing weekend of indoor hockey. I feel so proud to be part of this amazing group. The squad gave 110% every game as did the parents with what I could hear from the bench.

“A fantastic result getting to the semi-finals with a run of 14 unbeaten games. There was priceless entertainment with many memorable moments and game.”

City team: Sam Anderson (Captain), Oscar Sadikot (Vice Captain), Cameron Goodey, Ieuan Williams, Manish Patel, Arminder Mann, Dan Wadsworth, Peter Taylor, Nicky Reddy, Kunal Patel, Arthur Franklin, Henry Skrobot, Mike Yeoman (Head Coach)

Sam Biccarino (Assistant Coach), Nathan Foad (Assistant Coach), Munir Sadikot (Manager).