Cannock to protest over extra time

Hockey

Yesterday's draw for the semi-finals of the Association Cup was made under the shadow of a protest lodged by Cannock who on Sunday were beaten after extra time by Teddington in a match in which 30 minutes of extra time was played rather than the regulation 15 minutes, writes Bill Colwill. The protest is being made because the rules of the competition had been contravened.

Neil Campling, Teddington's manager, said yesterday: "It is very sad that such a prestigious club as Cannock should feel the need to protest. Both teams knew what they were going into at the end of normal time and were happy to accept 15 minutes each way as we were informed by the umpires and match official when the teams tossed for ends. A protest now is not sportsmanlike."

While the HA refused to speculate on the outcome, it seems unlikely the protest could be upheld. "If it were, we would certainly consider pulling out" were Campling's final words as he expressed his pleasure at the draw: away to Surbiton. "We have got to fancy our chances."

Reading, the league champions and cup holders, have been drawn at home against St Albans and will fancy their chances for a second successive appearance at Milton Keynes.

HA CUP Semi-final draw: Reading v St Albans; Surbiton v Teddington (or Cannock). Ties to be played on Sunday 27 April.