Isaacs' switch to benefit Horsham

Another national league goalkeeper who has moved down from that tier of play, is Andy Isaacs who joined Horsham at the start of the season. With coaching priorities (as far as I know) and other things coming in to play, a shorter trip to training probably included, Andy's experience and playing ability is sure to make a big difference for the side as they combine with their own promotion ambitions.

It will be interesting to see how Andy's unique 'sweeper' style of goalkeeping will mould with the team, given the evolution of previous sides he has worked with. Bromley's counter attacking play and more open defensive positioning had a lot to do with Andy's kicking from 16's and at Havant where he got noticed for his Simon Mason-esque goal scoring opportunity creations.

And for modern goalkeeping in English hockey, it will be of interest to keep an eye on his style and its evolution, continuining to show the style options for goalkeepers and how they can mix their own technical attributes (reaction times, ability to read the play and intercept etc.) and physicality (sprinting speed, kicking ability and so on) to get the best out of their play and the system they work in...

Donny go up, Havant go down

As the season draws to its definitive close this weekend, it also draws into light the shake up of the league with demotions and promotions. Doncaster who got relegated without the aid of long term server in between the sticks Ashley Watson who moved to Beeston to offer support when Pinner is out of domestic competition with international duties, showing the need for an elite goalkeeper, have since rebuilt and managed to get back into the national league. Topping the Northern Regional Premier league, they will be returning to the North conference of the national league in September.

And on the converse, southern coastal side Havant, famed for their Premier league status and wealth of talent in their golden era from the 90's onwards, have gone the opposite way of success, losing a lot of their talent base to other squads. Guildford managed to prevent relegation but with Mason theoretically retiring (he's got to at some point!!), it's a wonder how they'll survive without him to backstop their defensive line.

Chichester won the South Prem league, seeing them play in the national league for the first time, replacing Havant as it seems, stopping a last surge from Sevenoaks who are looking for their own return to the national league. And given Exeter's A side and Cardiff's A side can't get promoted into national league, it looks like Whitchurch will also be back playing national league after their demotion the season before the current. Lots of chopping and changing as expected with the return of old faces and new ones.