JERSEY host Woking tomorrow with a real sense of déjà vu as they battle for the last 16 of the England Hockey Men’s Tier 2 Knockout Competition.
The Islanders welcomed their Surrey opponents at the same stage last year and they would be more than happy to re-enact that 4-2 victory.
Captain Tom Millar and his side have enjoyed a successful run in the competition this season, recording victories over Cambridge and Ashford and scoring six goals in the process.
Meanwhile, Woking have enjoyed a pair of comprehensive victories in the cup, including a 3-0 home win against Reading and a thumping 10-1 demolition of the British Army.
Jersey’s opponents play their domestic hockey in the South Eastern Premier League, where they currently occupy second spot.
After holding on to their league position last season, a change in coaching staff has led to better fortunes this campaign and brighter results have followed.
Jersey player/coach Tom Sibley said: “We’re very excited for this match.
“It’s always great to get a home tie and play in front of our fans.
This is a great cup competition which we take very seriously.
“It’s such a good opportunity for our younger players to develop and for our older players to enjoy playing top-level hockey as well.”
The previous match against Woking remains fresh in the memory of Sibley, whose team battled back from 4-2 down in the dying embers to seal a famous 5-4 victory in sudden death.
He added: “We remember that game well!
“It was a thrilling match which we were obviously delighted to get through considering where we were with five minutes to go.
“But they’ve added a couple of new players since then and, of course, have had their change in coach this season.
“They’re doing really well in their league and have been scoring goals, so we know they’re going to be a threat.
“We just have to concentrate on our game. We know on our day we are one of the strongest sides in this competition.
“I feel personally and have heard from others that this season we look a lot more sound structurally and in defence.
“We have been paying particular attention in training of late to scoring goals, so we hope that comes to fruition tomorrow.”
Sibley, a former ten-year veteran of the National League in the UK, moved over to Jersey a couple of years ago and confessed that playing while coaching “does get tricky”.
He continued: “I can be a bit emotional at times on the pitch, but I am learning to manage that better and know when to take breaks and sit out to aid my coaching side of the role as well.
“We have such a strong squad with a balance of youth and experience. Some of the younger lads in the team are showing some serious promise and it’s exciting to give them the opportunity at a good level in this competition.
“We have had success in this cup before, reaching the quarter-finals last year and the semi-finals the year before, but we would love to make the final.
“If we can get through this hurdle tomorrow, I think we’ll have a really good chance of going all the way.”
Action from Les Quennevais tomorrow is due to begin at 2.15pm.
Jersey Hockey to face Woking: Tom Millar (c), Piers Brandie (gk), Tom Sibley, Pete Millar, Jack Stevens, Joel Dudley, Will Hodgson, Matt Boote, Jamie Watling, Sam Watling, Tom Bolton, Sam Dunstan, Jamie Bolton, Jack Tait, Tiaan Kruger, Phil Cumming. Player/Coach: Tom Sibley. Manager: Richard Gilpin
