Hockey: Pickett attacks his problem

HAVANT'S quest for a fourth title in five years is looking anything but easy. Fortunately, their manager, Chris Pickett, is not one to panic, writes Bill Colwill.

The National League champions have scored only once in the opening two games, both draws, but Pickett has resisted large-scale changes for tomorrow's game against Guildford. Jimmy Lewis thus retains his place at the expense of Britain's Olympic goalkeeper, Sean Rowlands. 'I am pleased with the number of chances being created but bitterly disappointed with the finishing,' Pickett said.

In the top fixture, leaders Southgate travel to Teddington, another side who created plenty of chances but lost 1-0 to Reading last week. It will be interesting to see if coach Jon Royce can mould Teddington's gifted individuals into a formidable unit. They may, however, be hard pressed to hold their free-scoring visitors.

Hounslow and Reading, both on maximum points alongside Southgate, meet at Chiswick, where the experienced hosts should prevail. Newly-promoted Surbiton, the fourth team yet to drop a point, entertain pointless Trojans.