As Club Media Co-ordinator, will use this forum to highlight Club News.

With the new hockey season a few weeks away, Alpha Data Hockey Club have made a significant ‘close season’ signing in the form of a new playing Coach. Mark McLintock has recently moved into the Kingdom, having been involved for many years with National League One team Clydesdale Hockey Club.

His presence has already impacted with a new pre-season training campaign, which has seen the club’s 1sts & 2nds squad training since early June for the coming season. Both teams are aiming for promotion from their respective leagues, namely National 3 and Regional 2, whilst Mark has added Club stalwarts, Ewan Ogilvie and Willie Dunster to his coaching staff.

General training for all club members has also started every Tuesday and Thursday evenings – full details can be obtained via our newly revamped website on www.dunfermlinehockey.com

Meanwhile five of the Club’s senior players have been selected for Scotland’s National Veterans squads attending Hockey World Cup for Grand Masters (Over 60’s) and the Great Grand Masters (over 65’s) all taking place from between 12th to 21st September 2008 in Hong Kong

Douglas Caren, David McIntosh and Jim Mitchinson were named in the Over 60’s squad, which has Scotland in Section 1 along with Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia & South Africa. Norman ‘Rab’ Keddie and Keith Forster make the Over 65’s, which has Scotland playing in a round-robin format alongside Australia, England, Germany, Japan and Netherlands.

Alpha Data Carnegie HC first team continued their pre-season training at the weekend, with another friendly, the opposition being National League Division One side, Cala Edinburgh HC.

Despite matching the 1st Division side for long periods, the Edinburgh Club used their expertise in penalty corners to good effect, scoring three times in the first half. However, Carnegie were able to strengthen defensively and although ‘leaking’ goals, where able to score goals. In fact this was one of the more pleasing aspects of their performance, with four separate players on the score-sheet (Malcolm Blyth, Iain Bease, Mark Briggs & Stuart Wallace) all were well created and taken opportunities.

The squad's final pre-season friendly should prove to be an interesting encounter, as they travel to Glasgow on Thursday evening for a game against Coach Mark McLintock's former club Greaves Clydesdale HC.

It is the final opportunity for both for Carnegie’s attack and defence to hone their skills before the first league game of the campaign on Saturday against Perthshire at home.

Other Carnegie teams friendly results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 2’s v Hillhead HC 2’s – 3-4 defeat
Carnegie 5’s v Carnegie 7’s – 0-0 draw

Alpha Data Carnegie HC players were part of two teams of Scotland’s Veterans (over 45’s/55’s) squads, which participated in a 4-National tournament over the weekend in Rotterdam, namely Hew Bishop, Mike McInally & Kevin Walker.

Scotland’s two teams took part along with a Dutch Select Squad and as a result of the late call-off by the England Select team; a Select Squad from host Club Rotterdam was arranged. All members in the Scottish squads, including the three Carnegie players participated in the opening game against a Dutch Select Team on Saturday, which saw the Scot’s win 5-0.

On Sunday, the tournament began in earnest, with the Over 55’s losing out 4-2 to the Dutch Select, although winning 1-0 against Rotterdam HC and managing a 1-1 draw with Scotland’s Over 45’s, finishing in 3rd place overall.

Despite the 1-1 draw against their counterparts, the over 45’s had a 2-0 win over the Club Select and in a ‘winner take all’ game over the Dutch Select, secured a 5-0 victory and in doing so took the title. Carnegie’s players had solid performances, with Hew Bishop scoring all the over 55’s goals (4 in total), with Mike McInally having dual responsibility in his Player/Manager role and Kevin Walker, goalkeeping for both Scotland’s squads and in five of the six games.

On the home front the Club’s first team had a friendly against National League Division 2 side, Harris HC, winning 6-2 (scorers – Andrew Doyle 4, Iain Bease & Stuart McArtney) in a comfortable and promising performance. It is clear that the squad are beginning to appreciate the tactics and patterns of play of new Coach Mark McLintock, together with the intensive pre-season fitness structure are clearly taking shape and paying dividends for the first & second eleven’s.

The clubs six a side curtain raiser to the new season took place on Saturday at Caledonia, with a good turnout by the membership.

Carnegie teams league results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 2’s v Harris 2’s – 5-0 victory

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club first team’s winning start to the season ended, with a surprise defeat against InverRoss, a result that no one had anticipated, by a team Carnegie had defeated convincingly on two occasions last season.

Carnegie showed very little of the form which saw them dominate in the first two league games. Despite goals through player coach Mark McLintock, Andy Doyle & Craig Duncan, it was keeper Willie Dunster that kept the home side in the game with a series of fine saves.

InverRoss applied themselves and finally two almost identical goals were scored from set pieces which ultimately proved decisive and bring the Carnegie winning streak to a shuddering halt with a 3 - 4 defeat.

A challenging away fixture awaits Carnegie in Aberdeen this coming weekend against the University side.

The second eleven secured another win maintaining their 100% record this season, a 3-1 home win against Livingston HC, with goals from Neil Innes (2) & Mark Briggs.

Other Carnegie teams league results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v ESM 3’s– 3-1 victory
Carnegie 4’s v Edinburgh University 6’s – 4-0 victory
Carnegie 5’s v ESM 4’s – 5-0 victory
Carnegie 6’s v Livingston 2’s – 3-5 defeat

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club first team returned to form and in doing so, winning ways with an emphatic victory over Aberdeen University HC. It was just the performance needed after last weekend's disappointment and a useful 3 pts towards the league campaign.

Historically games between the two sides have always been close with the Aberdeen
side having come out on top in the encounters last season. Despite being the visitors it was Carnegie who dictated the play early in the first half and created opportunities, which Man of the Match, Andy Doyle accepted scoring a hat-trick in the process.

The home side pulled two back, but Carnegie responded and with Andy Doyle adding a fourth, together with goals from Gary Clark and Craig Duncan, the final score line was 6-2 to the Fifer's.

Three wins from four games for Carnegie, who now sit second in the table and sets up next weekend's away game against fellow title hopefuls and current league
leaders, Erskine Stewarts Melville.

Unfortunately the second eleven lost their 100% record following a poor overall display against Stirling Wanderers in Regional Central League, Division 2. Both sides struggled to play any cohesive hockey, although it was Carnegie who took the lead through Martin Daw. However, Stirling responded and scored twice, despite pressure from Carnegie there were no other goals and unbeaten start to the season came to an end.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v East Kilbride 2’s – 5-1 victory
Carnegie 4’s v Inverleith 4’s – 3-0 victory
Carnegie 5’s v Hillhead 3’s – 5-0 defeat
Carnegie 6’s v Inverleith Juniors – 4-2 victory

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club first team had a busy weekend with league & cup fixtures. Current league leaders Erskine Stewart Melville provided the league opposition in a keenly fought game. With both teams striving for supremacy, the final result was a 3-3 draw, thanks to goals from Stuart Wallace & a brace from Andy Doyle. The result means no change to the league positions, Carnegie remain second right on the ‘coat-tails’ of ESM HC.

On Sunday, Carnegie’s first team took on last week’s league opponents Aberdeen University HC in the Scottish Cup. After a sluggish beginning the West Fifers were quickly 2-0 down, although fought back in the second half with goals from Andy Doyle (2), Craig Duncan, Stuart Wallace, Gary Clark & Stuart Mcartney. Despite a late consolation effort from the students, the final result was 6-3.

In the next round, Carnegie will face National League Division 1 team, Glasgow Western, tough opposition, as Western are one of Scotland’s two representatives in the European Hockey league.

Carnegie’s second eleven returned to winning ways in the league with a 4-2 victory over ESM’s 2’s, goals coming from Kenny Begg, Mark Briggs, Richard Uren & Tom Akrigg.

However, one of the best performances came from a youngster in the form of 14 year old Duncan Ruzzak, when playing for the Clubs 7th team (Youth Development Squad). In a league fixture against Waverly Inveresk Trinity 5’s, Duncan playing as a forward against a ‘mature’ defence, bagged a hat trick in the comprehensive 10-1 victory.

Other Carnegie results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Edinburgh University 3’s – 0-4 defeat
Carnegie 4’s v Edinburgh University 5’s – 5-0 victory
Carnegie 5’s v Edinburgh University 7’s – 0-0 draw
Carnegie 7’s v WIT 5’s – 10-1 victory

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top two teams promising start to the season continued, with the first team at home facing an undefeated St Andrews University HC, in what was a second versus third place league tussle and a game Carnegie realistically had to win to maintain their title challenge.

Despite a brisk start by the visitors, it was Carnegie that impressed with two quick fire goals within the first 10 minutes, courtesy of Ian Bease & Martin Daw. With the opposition clearly rocked, Carnegie struck again following another passing movement down the right, with a hard cross to the back post and Ian Bease perfectly positioned to tap into the net for his second and a 3-0 lead. Unfortunately, Carnegie’s sustained pressure did not add to the score line.

The second half did not have the same supremacy from Carnegie, in fact it was the visitors that pressed hard and managed to score two goals. With a further ‘goal’ from Carnegie disappointingly disallowed, the game ended with a 3-2 victory and three points required to maintain 2nd place in National League Division 3.

Next week sees another trip north to play Aberdeen Grammar HC.

Carnegie’s second eleven are now 3 points clear of Regional Central League Division 2, following a 2-0 victory away from home over Waverly Inveresk Trinity 2’s, both goals coming from in-form striker Mark Briggs.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Gala – postponed due to pitch unavailability
Carnegie 4’s v Waverly Inveresk Trinity 3’s – 3-0 victory (Lees, Bishop & Melville)
Carnegie 5’s v Waverly Inveresk Trinity 5’s – 2-1 defeat (Cunnife)
Carnegie 7’s v Livingston 2’s – 5-0 win (walkover)

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top two teams remained undefeated over the weekend, with the first team travelling north to play Aberdeen Grammar HC and achieving a 1-1 draw, which keeps them in second place 2 points behind the leaders.

Carnegie’s second eleven remain 3 points clear at the top of Regional Central League Division 2, following a walkover victory on Saturday as the planned opposition Greenock 2’s were unable to raise a team.

On Sunday the second eleven had a home tie in the District Cup against Alloa HC; current form for the West Fifers was maintained as they controlled the game from start to finish. Goals via Malcolm Blyth & Brent Walker ensured a 2-0 lead at the interval and although the overall control & pressure was continued in the second half only a further goal through Richard Uren resulted and a final score line of 3-0.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday & Sunday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Glasgow Accies HC – 5-0 walkover when opposition conceded
Carnegie 4’s v Edinburgh 4’s – 12-0 victory
Carnegie 5’s v Inverleith B – 4-0 defeat

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s youth policy is proving beneficial with another two youngsters achieving starting positions in a Club side. On Saturday, Neil McGiffen and David Timmins, both 14 year olds were selected for the Club’s 7th Eleven, which is the Youth Development Team involving a mix of veteran & youngsters. Both played the entire game and performed well in their first league appearance.

Meanwhile, the Club’s first eleven secured a win, which combined with results from other games, ensure they remain in second place.

Carnegie started well against opponents Ayr and maintained this throughout the half, goals from the consistent Andy Doyle (14th goals this season) and Stuart McArtney left the home side 2-0 up at halftime.

However, the second half proved to be a different story, with Ayr changing their game plan preferring long ball tactics, an early goal resulted and at 2-1 kept matters tight. With minutes left, Ayr scored to level, although in controversial circumstances, Carnegie’s defence adamant that the ball had gone out of play before being knocked back and into the goal.

At 2-2 all looked lost, but Carnegie’s determination proved crucial, with the last move of the game, the ball was hit into Ayr’s circle and neatly deflected in the goal by Andy Doyle for the winner, his 15th of the season and a 3-2 victory.

An away fixture this weekend against Glasgow University HC, a win would keep Carnegie in the top two at the mid-season break and onset of National Indoor Leagues.

Carnegie’s second eleven’s proved far to strong for Glasgow University HC 2’s, a dominant performance and 5-0 score line keeps them two points clear at the top of Regional Central League Division 2.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 4’s v Grange 5’s – 1-3 defeat
Carnegie 6’s v Grange 7’s – 0-2 defeat
Carnegie 7’s v Stirling 2’s – 1-4 defeat

Other Carnegie result on Sunday: -

Carnegie 4’s v Edinburgh University 6’s – 4-0 win

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s youth continue to gain valuable experience, when a number of youngsters took the field on Sunday for the Club’s 6th eleven in a cup match against a strong Strathclyde University team.

The students have been scoring high in recent games, although came up against a dogged Carnegie side reduced to 10 with late call-offs. Youngsters from 14 years of age through to late teens, together with a spread of veterans, managed to contain the students who despite constant pressure could only manage a 2-0 victory.

On the league front, the first eleven were on the road again and recorded their 6th win of the season, which consolidates their second place position in National League Division 3. Glasgow University were the opposition, although dominating the first half Carnegie spurned numerous chances to open the goal account and at the break the score was 0-0.

However, Carnegie’s pressure eventually paid off after the break with a brace from Andy Doyle, even so the home side managed a single response and for the second week at 2-1 Carnegie’s nerves were jangling until the final whistle. The win leaves Carnegie one point behind leaders St Andrews University, who also have a game in hand.

Carnegie’s second eleven’s lost top slot in Regional Central League Division 2 following their 3-2 defeat away to Strathclyde University, only one point, plus a game in hand separates them from leaders Erskine Stewart Melville 2’s.

Finally, a Club ‘Derby’ took place between the 6’s & 7’s in a league tussle, in what turned out to be a competitive match, the 7’s managed a 3-2 win thanks to goals from Gerraint Jones (2) & Neil McGiffen

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Edinburgh University 4’s – 4-1 win
Carnegie 4’s v Watsonians 3’s – 3-3 draw
Carnegie 6’s v Carnegie 7’s – 2-3 defeat

Other Carnegie result on Sunday: -

Carnegie 6’s v Strathclyde University 2’s – 0-2 defeat (Cup)

With Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top two teams without games the spotlight centred on the lower teams at the weekend. Once again the youth selection policy allowed a number of youngsters to gain valuable experience at senior level.

The Club’s seventh eleven, the Youth Development Team, included three youngsters in the starting line-up, Duncan Ruzzak, Neil McGiffen and David Timmins all 14 years of age, played the entire game against Inverleith and performed well. It seems that the blend of youth and experience is beginning to provide a settled formation as the 1-0 victory ensured 3 successive wins.

Carnegie’s sixth eleven relied on a more mature line-up and ran out 6-0 victors over Edinburgh HC 4’s, with experienced strikers Jim Mitchinson & Alan Green (2) on the score sheet.

The Club held a Ceilidh on Saturday evening at the Pitbauchlie House Hotel, Dunfermline, with in excess of 60 members participating in another successful social event.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Edinburgh 2’s – 1-1 draw
Carnegie 4’s v Kinross – 4-2 victory

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s 1st eleven ended the first half of their season’s campaign on Saturday with a win and in doing so consolidating second place in National Division 3, with league statistics of played 10, won 7, drawn 2 & lost 1. Due to the start of the National Indoor League, which Carnegie will be participating in, the National Outdoor leagues close down until February 2009.

Saturday’s fixture was an away trip with the opposition being Perthshire HC; both sides due to the fixture schedule have already met, with Carnegie running out 8-0 victors. However, a much tighter and open encounter took place in this the return game, with Perthshire pushing Carnegie all the way.

On form striker Andy Doyle open the account for the West Fifers and the single goal separated both sides at half time. Player/Coach Mark McLintock, used the interval to address some areas for improvement, which at the start of the second half clearly provided the reaction he was seeking. As a further goal from Andy Doyle and another from sweeper Ewan Ogilvie sealed a 3-0 win. The only downside was an injury to Carnegie’s Ian Bease, who suffered a blow in the face through an accidental deflected shot, it was later confirmed that the injury was a broken nose.

Carnegie’s second eleven’s suffered a comprehensive 5-2 defeat by Uddingston HC in Regional Central League Division 2, although remain in second place, one point behind Strathclyde University. At present only 3 points separate the top 4, with a couple of them having games in hand. Carnegie 2’s complete their first half of the season on Saturday with a home game, where a victory is important.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Falkirk 2’s – 0-2 defeat
Carnegie 4’s v Falkirk 3’s – 3-1 win
Carnegie 5’s v Falkirk 4’s – 0-1 defeat
Carnegie 6’s v Falkirk 5’s – 1-4 defeat
Carnegie 7’s v Edinburgh 3’s 1-1 draw

With Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top two teams still without games the spotlight centred on other teams at the weekend.

The Club’s fifth eleven returned to winning ways with an impressive win over a strong Edinburgh University team playing at their home ground in Edinburgh. A hard, fast-flowing game Carnegie's defence withstood early pressure, with veteran keeper Kevin Walker in fine form. Perhaps against the run of play, Carnegie ended the first half in front by a solitary goal, scored by Brent Walker. As the game progressed into the second half, Carnegie used counter-attack tactics to good effect, enabling Brent Walker to complete his hat trick and despite losing a late goal, a 3-1 victory was secured.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Edinburgh University 3's – 2-5 defeat
Carnegie 4’s v Edinburgh Univeristy 5's – 2-1 victory

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top two teams returned to outdoor league action. However, on Friday evening it did require the services of players and Club Captain Gordon Johnston to clear the home pitch of snow and ice to ensure the pitch was playable.

The efforts were rewarded in respect of their fixture against Glasgow University HC, despite the mid-season break, Carnegie providing fine passing and attacking hockey, dominating the first half. Goals from Andy Doyle and Ben Bregazzi saw Carnegie in a comfortable position, although a late goal from the visitors left the game poised 2-1 at halftime.

Carnegie's dominance continued and following a short corner, Andy Doyle scored his second and his team's third. Despite spurning scoring opportunities and another goal by the Students, Carnegie closed the game with a 3-2 victory.

Next week sees the promotion challenge continuing with a home fixture against Motherwell HC.

Carnegie’s second eleven's promotion challenge faltered with a 2-1 home defeat by Strathclyde University, Brent Walker maintaining his scoring run with the only home goal.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 2’s v Strathclyde University – 2-1 defeat
Carnegie 4’s v Grange 5's –2-0 defeat
Carnegie 6’s v Grange 7's – 5-0 defeat
Carnegie 7’s v Stirling Wanderers – 5-0 win (walkover)

On Sunday, the Club's Under-14 teams played in East Scotland's Under-14 leagues.

The 'A' Team playing Kelso & Edinburgh Gala, recording 5-1 and 5-0 wins respectively, with Boris Mingay scoring a hat trick in the Kelso game. Both results keep the A team top of the league undefeated.

The 'B' Team lost out 3-0 to Inverleith B, although won 2-1 against Kelso B.

Finally, on Saturday the Club is holding a Quiz Night at the Civil Service Club, Rosyth, with all proceeds going to the Club's Youth Section.

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team were looking to continue their promotion chase on Saturday with a home fixture against relegation avoiding Motherwell HC.

The difference in league places seemed to be apparent when Carnegie took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Andy Doyle and Team Captain Craig Duncan. At halftime neutral spectators agreed that the score line reflected the overall balance of play.

However, the visitors team talk proved effective, as Motherwell took the game to Carnegie and in a short time were level with goals from a short corner & penalty stroke. With 10 minutes left, Motherwell went ahead again following a short corner, facing defeat, Carnegie displayed both character & determination, scoring twice through Stevie Chalmers & Sam Goldie.

Carnegie's victory hopes were dashed when yet another short corner routine from Motherwell resulted in a goal and the final whistle, leaving honours even at 4-4. Despite two points dropped, but for Carnegie's resilience it could have been all three points.

Next week sees the promotion challenge continuing with an away trip to Inverness and a game against Inveross HC, who are also in the running for the promotion play-offs and achieved victory when playing Carnegie in the first half of the season.

Carnegie’s second eleven's required a win on the road against Livingston to keep the promotion challenge and managed one, albeit in a similar roller coaster style game as the first eleven. Livingston looked good at 2-0, but goals from Adam Rintoul and Dickie Uren took it to 2-2, before Carnegie went 3-2 down. A final late flurry resulted in goals from Kenny Begg and another from Adam Rintoul leaving Carnegie 4-3 winners.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3’s v Edinburgh University 4's – 2-1 win
Carnegie 4’s v Watsonians 3's –1-1 draw
Carnegie 5's v Watsonians 4's – 3-1 win
Carnegie 6’s v Carnegie 7's – 0-2 win

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team were involved in a trip to Inverness on Saturday with a league fixture against fellow promotion hopefuls Inveross HC.

The opposition had already inflicted a defeat on Carnegie in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, so Carnegie were keen to take the game to Inveross from the outset, which proved the case as the home defence were put under constant pressure. However, similar to last week, despite outplaying their opponents with good passing, movement and balance of play, together with goals from Ian Bease, Andy Doyle & Gary Clark, Carnegie at half-time only had a solitary goal advantage at 3-2.

Carnegie's dominance continued in the second half with 2 goals from Andy Doyle, to complete another hat trick and taking his season's tally to 25, whilst Steven Chalmers and Ben Bregazzi added goals six & seven to complete the rout. One goal in reply left the final score at 7-3 but a fully deserved victory by Carnegie, which puts them joint top of National Division 3 with St Andrews University.

The Students have two games in hand, so the automatic promotion place race is out of Carnegie's hands, although 9 points separate the top two Clubs from the third placed team. Carnegie has a home fixture this weekend, with Aberdeen University HC the opposition.

Carnegie’s second eleven also had a comprehensive victory winning 5-1 over Stirling Wanderers, which maintains their promotion challenge, with goals coming from Brent Walker, Neil Langham and a hat trick from the evergreen Kenny Begg.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday & Sunday: -

Carnegie 4’s v Kinross –2-2 draw
Carnegie 7’s v Inverleith Juniors – 3-1 win

Sunday
Carnegie 5's v Edinburgh Cala Colts – 3-2 defeat

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team maintained their league form on Saturday with a home win against relegation threatened Aberdeen University HC.

However, they made heavy weather of the game with the visitors belying their league position and keeping Carnegie on the back foot. It was the students who opened the scoring as Carnegie struggled to find any rhythm in their play. Andy Doyle eased the home pressure with a well-taken goal and honours even at half time.

Carnegie upped their performance and although the visitors created scoring chances, did not take the advantage. Further goals from Carnegie's Captain, Craig Duncan and another from Andy Doyle provided Carnegie with the initiative to close the game down and a 3-1 victory.

Carnegie face third placed Erskine Stewart Melville HC on Saturday their closest rivals to the promotion play-offs.

On Sunday, the first eleven were in Scottish Cup action facing highflying National League Division 1 and Scotland's European Hockey League representatives, Western Wildcats HC. With the game played in poor weather conditions, Carnegie appreciating the experience would likely be more of a learning opportunity than achieving an actual shock result.

This ethos proved correct and although Carnegie, to their credit tried to press and harry the opposition, Western ran out 13-0 victors and whilst they progress into the next round, Carnegie clearly progress in terms of experience.

Carnegie’s second eleven suffered a promotion setback after conceding a 2-0 lead over the league leaders with a 3-2 defeat.

Other Carnegie teams results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 5's v Falkirk 3's – 3-0 win
Carnegie 7’s v Edinburgh Cala 4's – 7-1 win

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team hopes of at least a promotion play-off place were increased on Saturday with a home win against third placed Erskine Stewart's Melville HC.

Perhaps the importance of the fixture impacted on both teams, Carnegie knowing victory would all but secure second place. Unfortunately the first half could best be described as 'scrappy', with no real rhythm of fluency, home keeper Willie Dunster was in top form and ensured a 0-0 score line at half-time.

Carnegie appeared to take notice of the team talk and immediately displayed a higher level of intensity and in doing so forced the opponents into a defensive mode. Carnegie's attacking perseverance paid off when Andy Doyle converted from a short corner routine. Despite being unable to force their advantage the game reverted back to a scrappy affair, but with no other goals, Carnegie took the three points.

Carnegie face league leaders St Andrews University HC on Saturday in a must win fixture to maintain any possibility of winning the league, even if it means winning scrappy again…

Carnegie’s second eleven promotion hopes were further dented following another defeat, losing 3-0 to Waverly Inveresk Trinity 2's. However, on Sunday, they progressed into the latter stages of the District Cup with a high scoring, hard fought 6-4 victory over Livingston HC.

Other Carnegie teams league results on Saturday: -

Carnegie 3's v Grange Development – 3-4 defeat
Carnegie 4's v Grange 6's – 3-1 win
Carnegie 5's v Stirling University 2's – 5-0 win
Carnegie 6's v Stirling Wanderers 2's – 0-2 defeat
Carnegie 7’s v Falkirk 3's – 3-3 draw

Carnegie teams cup results on Sunday: -

Carnegie 2's v Livingston – 6-4 win (District Cup)
Carnegie 3's v Harris 3's – 1-1 (won 3-1 on penalties – Reserve Cup)
Carnegie 4's v Gordonians 3's – 3-5 defeat (Reserve Cup)
Carnegie 6's v Giffnock 3's – 1-3 defeat (Reserve Plate)

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team hopes of winning the Division 3 title disappeared on Saturday when defeated 5-2 by the current league leaders St Andrews University HC. However, if three points can be gained from the two remaining fixtures will secure the promotion play-offs and another route into National Division 2.

As expected from the top two teams in the league, the game was played at a high tempo, although it was the opponents that took control of the first half, taking full advantage of early opportunities to go into the interval 3-0 ahead.

Carnegie came out in a determined mood and were able to exert concerted pressure on the Students defence, with Andy Doyle slotting home from a tight angle. A further chance to reduce the deficit was lost, when following a foul, Carnegie were awarded a penalty, unfortunately the keeper saved Andy Doyle's shot. With Carnegie pressing forward, the Students used the counter-attack to good measure and added two more goals to their tally. A late consolation goal by veteran Ewan Ogilvie completed the scoring.

Carnegie have their last home game next Saturday, with Aberdeen Grammar School HC the visitors and then face an away trip to Ayr HC the following weekend to conclude the league campaign. It is hoped that the required three points will be attained this Saturday.

Carnegie's Under-14 A team cemented their position at the top of the U14 East League with comfortable 3 - 0 wins against both Inverleith and Kelso HC's. Both games highlighted the individual skill and teamwork that has resulted in 9 games played with eight victories and only one defeat.

Meanwhile Dunfermline Carnegie's B team drew 0-0 with Inverleith and lost 1-0 to Linlithgow to finish third in their league. A really good performance considering the majority ages of the team is 10 years.

(Not sure if we can mention, but the Under-14's playing tops are provided thanks to sponsorship by Scottish Hydro Electric.

A Team photo, from left to right, rear row - Craig Mitchell, Mercedes Black, Rachel Morgan, Jordon Duncan, Boris Mingay, Ben Wylie & Joe McEwan
front row - Kieran Peel, Aidan McQuade & Sean Stewart.

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team secured the three points required to secure the promotion play-offs on Saturday with a home victory over Aberdeen Grammar School HC.

Nerves were apparent from the outset and pressure was further increased exerted on Carnegie, when the visitors took advantage of poor defending and took the initiative with a well-taken goal. However, with the first half drawing to a close, Carnegie settled and scored twice in quick succession through Martin Daw and a 2-1 lead at the interval.

As it happened the second half turned into a one-sided affair, as Carnegie dominated with goals by Stevie Chalmers, Andrew Lambert and a third from Martin Daw ensuring a 5-1 victory. Further, the game also saw the 1st team debut for 15-year-old Sam Hayes, who played his part in the win. Sam is just one of an increasing crop of up and coming youngsters who are the result of the Youth Structure within the Club. All are definite prospects and augers well for the future.

Carnegie has their last game next Saturday, with an away trip to Ayr HC. However, the play-off final berth will take place at Peffermill, Edinburgh on Saturday 9th May 2009. With the relegation battle in National Division 2 involving a number of Clubs, the opposition will not be decided until the final fixtures.

Carnegie's 2nd XI Cup run ended in the quarterfinals on Sunday against the fancied Kelburne HC. Despite home advantage, the power and strength of the visitors proved too much, although it was not until well into the second half before the result was finally decided as the visitors secured a semi-final slot with a 7-0 score line.

In the last National League fixture of the season and with Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team having already secured a berth in the Promotion play-offs on 9th May 2009, they were unable to finish the campaign with a victory against Ayr HC on Saturday.

Carnegie took a large playing squad to Ayr using the opportunity of providing National League playing experience to a number of Club players. The tactics seemed to be right, as Carnegie started off strong, with flowing hockey and creating numerous chances. However, the chances were not converted and it was the opposition that scored first, finding a way through the visitor's defence and went into the interval 1-0 in front.

The pattern of play continued, with Carnegie applying constant pressure and setting up scoring opportunities, all were spurned and following a break away attack, the home side scored another goal. Carnegie maintained the pressure and skipper Craig Duncan put away an opportunity. Despite this, no other chances were taken and a 2-1 victory to Ayr.

A disappointing end, but equally a useful exercise in respect to providing further experience to younger players and trying out different positions for recognised first team players.

Carnegie has 5 weeks between now and the playoffs, with Giffnock or Granite City Wanderers looking the likely opposition. Training and friendly fixtures are being planned to keep Carnegie fully prepared.

The Easter weekend has a squad of Carnegie players travelling to Bridlington for the annual hockey festival, which involves 12 games based over 3 days.

Alpha Data Carnegie Hockey Club’s top team finally closed the 2008-2009 league campaign with success at the weekend, when gaining promotion to Scottish National League Division 2, after a dramatic win against Giffnock HC, promotion being confirmed after a penalty shoot-out.

The game was played at high tempo throughout, with Carnegie's preparations paying dividends as they set the tone from the outset, playing the style of hockey that suited, leaving the current Division 2 opposition using counter-attack tactics.

However, despite the pressure, it was Giffnock who struck first with a scrambled goal and went into half-time 1-0 to the good.

As it happened the second half turned into a free-flowing game, Carnegie equalised through Andy Doyle, but quickly went 3-1 down. Carnegie showed true grit and began to dominate again, resulting in pulling back to 3-3 with goals from Gary Clark & Stevie Chalmers.

A chance to take the lead was wasted, when Carnegie missed a penalty, but continued pressure lead to a goal from Andy Doyle and for the first time Carnegie were in front. As the clock ticked down, Giffnock determined to maintain their Division 2 status, pressed and were awarded a penalty, which was converted and at the final whistle the teams were level at 4-4.

Five nominated players from each side took their penalties, the first four from Carnegie all succeeding, Giffnock's fourth was saved by keeper Willie Dunster, leaving captain Craig Duncan to seal victory. Unfortunately Giffnock's keeper saved leaving, once again, the game all square and so to sudden death.

Andy Doyle scored and the pressure went to Giffnock's player and Carnegie's keeper, the latter winning the day with a stunning save and promotion.

Carnegie's Club Captain, Gordon Johnston summed the victory up stating 'A simply outstanding effort from everyone involved within the squad throughout the season, with the focus now turning to next season's Division 2 campaign.'

What is the Ace reporters view of the evolving new web site???

Due to the problems experienced in gaining access, initial views were censored.... However, now the problem resolved, it is looking interesting, keen to see how it improves as season progresses ;-)

Once again I am responsible for press submissions relating to DCHC in an effort to raise the Club's profile & now that my September holiday commitments have concluded am able to concentrate fully on the job in hand...

As in previous seasons, I need the members to assist by providing information, not only on weekend matches, but individual success, youth, veteran et al at District, Regional, National levels.

Print deadlines are important, so would really like to submit an article to Press Editor by Tuesday at very latest, your assistance is paramount.

I can take information by the following routes: -

email - walker89@btinternet.com or
phone - 01383 734282 or if by text - 07891 868112