Hockey: Johnson masters Ealing

Ealing. . . . . . . .0

Balsam Leicester. . .1

KATH JOHNSON, with a 21st-minute penalty stroke, brought Balsam Leicester victory in the All England Women's Hockey Association Cup final at Milton Keynes yesterday and earned the club entry into next season's European Cup-Winners' competition.

In a scrappy game, spoiled by the poor playing surface, Leicester set off at a frantic pace, creating all sorts of problems for a hesitant Ealing defence and forcing a couple of early penalty corners which Ealing's captain and goalkeeper, Sue Lawrie, dealt with confidently.

When Ealing did muster an attack, resolute tackling from Johnson muffled their attempts. At the other end Justine Williams, with assistance from Kim Gordon, burst through the Ealing defence. Gordon was eventually bundled to the ground and Johnson converted the penalty stroke.

Leicester continued to dominate and Ealing suffered more misfortune when their sweeper Katie Dodd hobbled off and was replaced by the Welsh international, Rachel O'Bryan.

Ealing reorganised at the interval, moving Mandy Nicholls further forward and proceeded to throw everything at the Leicester defence.

Two powerful penalty-corner strikes from Sarah Lawfull went inches wide of the posts. Anne Green then made ground down the right before sending over a powerful cross which Liz Moors jut failed to make contact with.

Ealing won another penalty corner but unfortunately Lawfull was lying injured and had to be replaced before it could be taken.

Johnson, the match-winner, said afterwards: 'The final whistle came with relief. It was a tough game on a difficult pitch and Ealing, with Mandy Nicholls prominent, came at us in the second half. I am delighted for the club as it is our first title.'

The success also ensured a happy farewell for Mary Nevill, the former Great Britain captain and Leicester player/coach who was making her last appearance for the club.

Ealing: S Lawrie (capt); K Dodd, S Lawfull, J Caudwell, K Harvey, S Eyre, M Nicholls, J O'Grady, J Hurt, L Moors, A Green. Substitutes used: H North, R O'Bryan.

Balsam Leicester: A Claxton; S Holwell, S Saunders (capt), K Johnson, J Mould, M Laird, M Nevill, G Moss, E Newbold; K Gordon, J Williams. Substitutes not used: G Nash, S Naylor, L Cope.

Umpires: W Mould and J Gibbs.