Match Preview: Nottingham University vs Edinburgh University

BUCS National League – Opening Round
Nottingham Hockey Centre – Wednesday, 15:00

Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club begin their BUCS National League campaign on Wednesday with a demanding away fixture against reigning champions Nottingham University.

The side earned promotion after an unbeaten season in BUCS Premier North, remaining the only Scottish men’s team ever to reach this level. Two years on from relegation in 2023, Edinburgh return determined to establish themselves in the top flight.

Recent results suggest they are ready for the challenge. At the weekend the students drew 3–3 with Scottish Premiership holders Western Wildcats in a thrilling encounter at Peffermill, Jamie Golden striking a hat-trick of penalty corners. Less than 24 hours later they delivered a dominant 9–1 victory over Hillhead, with Golden adding two more, Arthur Owens netting three, and Declan Bradley and Keir Robb each scoring twice.

Pre-season preparations included a training trip to Belfast and a demanding double-header against Durham, giving new captain Jamie Croll the opportunity to fine-tune combinations before the BUCS opener.

Nottingham, meanwhile, remain a formidable opponent. Last year’s BUCS champions, they feature Scotland age-group international Pete Caughey, England junior Harry Stone, American goalkeeper Luke Jackson and England Hockey’s Junior Performance Player of the Year Max Anderson. Their domestic season has already begun with a narrow 1–0 loss to Loughborough Students, decided by an early penalty corner from Thomas Spreckley.

Edinburgh will look to carry the momentum of their early-season form into this clash, aiming to match Nottingham’s structure with intensity and capitalise on the firepower of Golden and a deep attacking unit.

Push-back is scheduled for 15:00 at the Nottingham Hockey Centre, with live coverage available on uonsport.tv.