Aldershot & Farnham underlined their potential with a thumping 5-0 victory in the South East Premier Hockey League.

And while they have yet to meet any of the league big guns, head coach Ian Jennings is delighted with the start his side have made and insisted: We fear no-one.

This is the Shots’ first season at this level – just one grade below the national leagues – and they sit pretty in second place after three wins from their opening four matches.

Jennings said: “We know our strengths – our organisation, responsibility to each other and an amazing work ethic – would always allow us to compete, but I’m very happy to be in this position.

“Stiffer opposition are around the corner but we will take each game as it comes. We fear no-one and believe in the process thereby the result will look after itself!

“We now have a two-week break before our next game and I’ll be telling the players to look after themselves, maintain their fitness, focus and belief – and I look forward to pushing them harder and further than we have done before. After all, that is our mantra!”

The Shots fielded perhaps their strongest line-up of the season at Heath End against Eastbourne and the attacking intent so often shown last season was evident from the pushback.

Eastbourne struggled to cope with the pace and intensity and gave away two early short corners, both converted by Perry, leaving the home side two goals to the good within the first ten minutes.

The previous week the team had been unable to convert multiple chances that followed their two early goals.

This time, however, Chinn scored via a lightning deflection, the result of excellent build-up play in the midfield by Boot, Treadgold and Baron.

Eastbourne were never allowed to settle and get into a rhythm, constantly harried by the forward line of McCafferty, Rushmore, Chinn, Combes and Frost, making errors and losing possession.

Jennings stressed to the team at half-time not to let the Eastbourne side back into the game as they would no doubt use the break to reorganise – and a single goal would give them huge confidence.

Another penalty corner and another Perry drag flick led to a fourth goal, essentially killing off the fixture.

However, Eastbourne continued to play with great spirit and threatened the AFHC goal, mainly with the use of incisive long passes.

It was only through excellent goalkeeping from Hall and resolute defence from Wilkinson, Herring and Weston that the clean sheet was maintained.

A further penalty corner for AFHC led to a by-now somewhat predictable result to wrap up the 5-0 victory.

Jamie Combes