HOCKEY: Vauxhall power past West Herts

The visitors started strongly as a fine pass into the area was finished with aplomb by Ash Mahmood for the 998th goal of his career.

West Herts equalised from a short corner, as they fired home a rebound.

It was soon 2-1 to the away side though when Tanzeel Akhtar deflected a firm cross at the far post.

The third arrived before half time too when a penalty corner was switched to David Young, who found the gap despite a number of defenders on the line.

In the second period, a rare mistake in the Vauxhall back line saw a penalty corner not dealt with as West Herts pulled another back to set up a nervy final 20 minutes.

The two goal lead was restored in a move that seemed to be plucked from the first half as Young scored a near identical penalty corner.

Vauxhall’s next game is at home to Luton Town on Saturday, March 1.