NE14Hockey East Men's LeaguePremier BColchester 1 West Herts 4COLCHESTER returned to the bottom two as they suffered defeat to the league leaders West Herts, who confirmed their promotion to Premier A with this victory.

NE14Hockey East Men's League

Premier B

Colchester 1 West Herts 4

COLCHESTER returned to the bottom two as they suffered defeat to the league leaders West Herts, who confirmed their promotion to Premier A with this victory.

Colchester started the game well looking to take the game to their high flying opponents, however early in the match the visitors had taken the lead. Colchester allowed a West Herts player to run from the halfway line into a dangerous position to the top of the 'D' before miss hitting his shot past Liam Phillips to an unmarked forward at the back post, who put the ball into the empty net.

Colchester were looking to press forward and created chances of their own. The hosts were getting some joy down the right with captain Rohan Khaira showing some nice touches. However they just couldn't quite finish off the moves.

West Herts doubled their advantage before half-time, the Colchester defence again allowed an attacker to run into the 'D' and get his shot off, this time Phillips got a hand to the ball but couldn't push the ball to safety and another West Herts forward came into finish the ball.

Colchester skipper Khaira was happy with Colchester's first half effort and called for more of the same in the second half. Colchester continued to work hard and at times it was difficult to tell which side was top of the table and which is struggling against relegation.

Colchester got back into the game with a well-worked goal. Rohan Khaira broke out of defence quickly but found little support so calmed things down and retained possession with a pass inside to low, Colchester kept the ball and when the support came the ball found its way back to Khaira on the right who drove round the back of the West Herts defence before firing a pass across the 'D' to James Logan, Logan took a touch before firing in for his first goal of the season.

Colchester were looking to get back on level terms and were playing some nice hockey but again were just unable to find that pass or shot which would get them back into the game.

West Herts restored their two goal advantage when a Penalty Flick was awarded against Khaira for breaking down play in the 'D' after a West Herts forward had beaten Phillips. He made no mistake from the spot as he put the ball low to Phillips' left.

The visitors added a fourth to give put the game beyond Colchester. However Colchester will be happy with the work rate they showed and will be looking for more of the same next week when they travel to second placed Crostyx.

Hills Residential man of the match was Rohan Khaira for his good work in the Colchester midfield.