TWO games in two days this weekend could see Sidmouth Hockey Club s 3rd XI pushing for a promotion place in South East District One of the West of England and South Wales Hockey League.

TWO games in two days this weekend could see Sidmouth Hockey Club's 3rd XI pushing for a promotion place in South East District One of the West of England and South Wales Hockey League.They got themselves to within two points of second place with a 2-0 victory over Bridport Hawks on Saturday.The side's customary slow start could have seen them 2-0 down within 15 minutes, but a stroke of fortune and miracle save by the Sidmouth goalkeeper Ian Montgomery kept the scoresheet blank.Luck was on Sidmouth's side when their defence was ripped open and a Hawks' attacker sent a shot goalwards, only to see one of his team-mates get in the way a yard in front of the net. Seconds later Montgomery dived from one post to the other to deny a simple tap-in.This galvanised Sidmouth into a more purposeful outfit and umpire Gareth Pettis had no hesitation in awarding a penalty flick when Scott Rumens' goalbound shot hit a Bridport foot on the line. However, James Thompson's strong and well-directed flick produced a fine save and the scoresheet was blank at half time.As the second half progressed Sidmouth, who underwent a positional reshuffle at the break, grew in confidence and two pinpoint passes by playmaker Chris Olive to end flowing moves saw them go 2-0 up.The first one found Chris Slattery who hit the top corner with a powerful flick and the second enabled Stewart Vincent to fire home a strong ground shot.At the back Neil Coles was his usual resilient self and Tyrone Le Roux expended plenty of energy as he did the midfield running to allow Olive his freedom.Saturday sees the side away to Exeter Culm Vale Hornets in Cullompton and on Sunday they meet Exe.