Andy Forshaw: England's oldest national league starter?

With St. Alban's having made their way back to the East conference division of the men's English national league, it would seem that the Hertfordshire would be needing a wise head and shoulders (although not like the Hart/Casillas advertisement videos!) 'between the posts' as they looked to grind out games. Although they look to be going straight back down after a great division winning season that took them back up, with Brighton slowly creeping up the table ahead of them, St. Alban's seem to have just that, with the oldest active goalkeeper in the league right now. Numeric wise Andy Forshaw stands at a grand of 46 (not to be mistaken for being ageist I must add!), the great aid of experience can help prolong a goalkeeper's playing career even after the reflexes start to go, after all, Shilton had something like a 31 year pro playing career.

Andy in action

And it seems he has been in fine form, even if the players in front of him haven't had much luck. And without him St. Alban's would arguably be far worse of, with his level of save making drawing commendation from opposing teams:

match report

Doing a bit of research, it would appear Forshaw cut his teeth on national league experience with Formby many years ago; my hockey knowledge being a bit more than obsolete beyond beyond about five years ago (not coming from a hockey family, guess that excuse doesn't help too much though!), although I'm not sure when he decided to hop down south to get his chance down south.

link

Hinch helping Slough indoor

In England indoor hockey action, one notable signing change was Maddie Hinch playing for Slough in the Prem division of the women's game. Having moved south from Leicester, away from the bright lights of European competitions and Premier league fixtures, to join a newly promoted ambitious side looking for promotion in Holcombe, it was interesting to see her not play for them in indoor fixtures. But the England and GB goalkeeper signed up to play for Slough instead, helping the side out with their rearguard and upgrading their goalie options. Whether she'll be playing again for them next season will be interesting to see, especially if Holcombe do achieve promotion in the outdoor competition of the national league East conference this season.

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/449073/Hockey-Lifting-Slough-a-cinch-for-Maddie-Hinch

Hendy's time with England indoor

Talking about the indoor season in England, it's also interesting to ponder over Stuart Hendy's international career in indoor. Although short lived and having seemingly retired from the game altogether, Hendy took part in representing England in indoor in some international friendlies over the 2009-10 season, having been scouted in relation to the possibility of offering depth to the full international side via his strong play for Old Loughtonians at the time. Whereas Chris Bristow only featured for England in the WASA cup set-up, Hendy was selected to represent a more traditional full cap scenario. As his play over the seasons showed in the indoor leagues, he looked one of the better goalkeepers in this format in the country; mobile, aggressive and attacking, whilst able to react well to corners in a different fashion to the norm of others, staying deep and choosing to react and save rather than always charge out. Personally a fan of his play and style, think it's a shame he didn't choose to progress as OL's looked to be pushing for promotion a few times under his charge.

Here you can see him in the line-up for one of the friendlies he featured in, standing in front of the taller George Pinner (who is in Obo and smiling!), whilst he himself is in TK and looking at the floor!!

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/EHL-2009-2010/G0000zNzDv0XU4Oc/I0000w_HfvUkIMlI

Brothers playing indoor as season gets underway...

With the indoor season underway in England, and the Maxifuel 5's series taking place under the new indoor rules format changes, it looks like Nick Brothers is back playing for Reading, albeit indoors for now! Not sure if there's anything on the rumour train to suggest if he's making a comeback, but interesting to see him playing again after his retirement (perhaps it'll be short lived?!). There was a lot of high scoring games so far in the men's, and the next round will take place next weekend.

I can't seem to embed the video (as usual!), so here is the link for the video:

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Bahia switches to Richmond

Very late on this one, but looks like Indian Gym's Bahia has made the move to Richmond (not far down the road travel wise I guess!). Given the move of Richmond's second choice to Reading, and Richmond picking up Jamie Legg from the Berkshire side, Richmond needed to bring in cover or bump up one of their club goalkeepers to assist with their first eleven. Not exactly groundbreaking coverage, but all the same shows the moves between teams at national league level, much like you'd get in football or ice hockey transfers with more career back-up guys around for support. 

You can see him in action for his new team here (can't seem to merge the Youtube link), where he seems to play a very "old school" stance and approach which is a little odd for this level at the Prem league of the London divisions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AKfUw51w8c

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk//fl/ehl/current_teams_reg_players.asp?t=563&l=1&section=

Bailey makes full international debut

In the third and final match of the Belgium series, Reading's first choice goalkeeper was substituted for George Pinner and took over in the sticks for the second half. Bailey has obviously rocketed from junior international inclusion during his time at Old Loughtonians, before going on to Bath to start as their first choice and then across to Reading to become a premier league starter. With European experience this year and playing time in the premier league division after beating out Jamie Legg, he has cemented the next stage in his development as an elite goalkeeper. Opportunities with England should only further his development and progress his playing ability and chances. It sounds like both corner goals he allowed were to his left, so that sounds like a detail to work on.

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=24330&itemTitle=Belgium+earn+third+victory+over+England&section=22

English men's national league gets a new name and sponsor!

Again, a little late on this one as it's been a while, but the men's national league is also getting sponsorship and a new name. NOW Pensions are getting behind in support of the league competition, with prize money offered to conference winners, which will help with options and possibilities for bettering the teams and their finances as they compete in the elite level of our sport. Just like the women's game saw an injection of funding and development with Investeq sponsoring the league set-up, it is good to see the men's league getting similar treatment. Hopefully the new sponsors will put the opportunity to good use and help improve the numbers of hockey players and general interest in the sport.

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?section=22&itemid=22398

http://www.grays-hockey.co.uk/news/42/0/nowpensions

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/04/09/now-pensions-announces-england-hockey-sponsorship-deal

Brighton go up

Obviously not totally goalie related but will some goalkeepers new to national league getting some playing opportunities!

League winners and demotion and promotion changes see Brighton and Hove hockey club get promoted for the first time into the men's national league, with the Sussex side winning the South hockey regional premier league. St. Alban's join them in the East league, having won their league and Isca will play in the Western conference of the national league, having secured their own promotion. Indian Gymkhana are moved into the West division to accommodate the travel for Brighton and St. Alban's. Deeside Ramblers and West Bridgford go up to the Northern conference. Southgate go back down to the East conference after their demotion from the Premier league.

Williamson starts again for Surbiton

Looks like Williamson was the prefered option (unless there was another reason!) for Surbiton as she took over 'in between the sticks' for the Surrey side in the Champions playoff tournament last weekend. Starting in place of Walker, her performances did little to affect their eventual placing. Her competitor's old side Canterbury beat Surbiton to see them finish fourth and miss out on European action.

http://adykerry.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/EHB-pictures-2012-2013/G0000.xM2d964lH4/I00001VC0EsalSGM

http://www.hockeyimages.co.uk/sa37315