Hockey: Middleton inspires Cannock to dream start

Michael Johnson found the net within 36 seconds here yesterday, to give Cannock a splendid start to their European Cup Winners Cup campaign as they beat CUS Bologna 6-0.

Michael Johnson found the net within 36 seconds here yesterday, to give Cannock a splendid start to their European Cup Winners Cup campaign as they beat CUS Bologna 6-0.

With their Great Britain duo Barry Middleton and Graham Moodie continuing their impressive form, Cannock's victory against the Italians never looked in doubt after Middleton had set up the opening goal. With Andy Langlands leading the forwards with pace, and Middleton and Moodie providing the direction, it was only a matter of time before further goals came.

Langlands scored the second just on the interval and second-half goals from Moodie and Simon Ramsden, who both grabbed a brace, were the icing on the cake.

Today, Cannock face the host club Lille, who lost 2-1 to Ulhenhorster from Hamburg.

In the women's tournament in Cologne, Chelmsford beat La Gantoise from Belgium 5-1 in their opening game while, in the same pool, Glasgow Western won 4-2 against Dinamo Sumcharka from the Ukraine. Chelmsford play the Scots today.