Hockey: Dick wins it as Edinburgh Uni chase play-off spot

Stephen Dick secured the victory. Picture: Greg Macvean

The Beijing Olympian left three Aberdeen defenders in his wake to net from close range seven minutes from time to settle the issue in a hard-fought encounter.

Dick then dominated the ball with consummate game-management skills to secure the victory and lift the students into fifth position from ten in Division One.

They now have 19 points from 13 games, despite a points reduction for an administrative error, and are two points adrift of Western Wildcats who occupy the fourth and last play-off spot.

The Auchenhowie side have a game in hand but Edinburgh would love to make the top four and David Reid, the students’ assistant coach, said: “This was a professional performance from guys who have been playing indoor hockey for some weeks now. We did what we had to do and now we move on.”

Sean Stewart opened the scoring for the students after five minutes following a move down the right but chances were at a premium after that as the midfields took control.

Aberdeen levelled nine minutes later when former Grange player Adam Walker converted on a breakaway.

The scoreline stayed the same until seven minutes from the break when Jack Henderson netted following a penalty corner award.

Plucky Aberdeen, who beat bottom club Uddingston Riva 3-1 in the north east on Saturday, had chances but failed to convert and Dick then took centre stage to secure Edinburgh’s seventh win in 13 matches this term.

Third-placed and injury-hit Grange lost ground in the title chase when they were beaten 4-2 by Grove Menzieshill, who are second, at Fettes despite being level at 2-2 at the break.

Grange have 25 points and Grove moved onto 31 when the Dundee side completed a six-point weekend yesterday to draw level with Division One pace-setters Bromac Kelburne who thrashed Hillhead 6-0 on Saturday.

Dundee edged Uddingston Riva 3-2 in Lanarkshire and both Kelburne and Grove have played 13 games but Kelburne have a superior goal difference.