THE VISIT from EHL Division Two Peterborough to Luxborough Lane last Sunday never looked like it would cause Old Loughtonians a problem.

Taking the opportunity to rest seven of his squad, player/coach Nick Thompson was able to watch the match from the bench as his team steamed to a 7-1 defeat of the visitors.

Creating lots of chances, Loughts never looked threatened and only tired legs and good goalkeeping from Peterborough thwarted their hopes of adding to their tally.

The fifth round of the EHA Cup takes place in February and with a home draw against another division two side, Belper, Thompson will be looking to continue their cup run and to move into the final eight.

In Old Loughts' Premier Division game on Saturday, they travelled to Cannock, losing 4-3.

Thompson got two before the break as they went in at half time with a 2-1 lead but Andy Balchin's second-half strike was not enough to win the game as Cannock knocked in three second-half goals.

Nick Thompson said: "The league is very tight at the moment, and there are only six points separating second place and seventh, where we are currently.

"The Cannock game was not our best performance, but there were some positive aspects. We had two 15-year-olds playing, so the future looks good.

"The team spirit is good at the moment and we are all very optimistic. We should have Scott Smith back soon and that will aid our goal scoring.

"If we play well and pick up as many points as possible, we could be fourth by Christmas."

Old Loughtonians7

Peterborough1

(EHA National Cup

November 29, 2001 14:34