Hockey: Slough provide test for Trojans

The place to be tomorrow for top National League hockey is without doubt the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre where on the re-laid water-based artificial pitch two Premier League sides, Slough and Reading, are in action.

First off, Slough entertain newly-promoted Trojans who have had a dismal start to the new season having parted company with last season's coach Ben Barnes. The new man at the helm is the England women's Under-21 coach, Dave Passmore. But before they face Slough, the Trojans host Olton this afternoon.

Free-scoring Reading will face Guildford in the second game at Bisham Abbey tomorrow. Reading are hoping to have the New Zealand captain Simon Towns back in their squad after a hamstring injury and they also include the England defender Tom Bertram. Elsewhere, a much-changed Loughborough Students side take on Surbiton, who beat Doncaster 8-1 in their opening game.

Outside the top divisions, there is a big showdown at Bowdon's South Downs Road ground where the local side host Bath Buccaneers.

The two newcomers to the National League have impressed in their opening games and will be expected to serve up an exciting encounter.