East Grinstead did themselves proud against premier division opposition going down 3-1 at home to Doncaster in the HA Cup.

Player-coach Ian Pattison said: "It was an excellent performance. We out-played them - there wasn't much doubt about that.

"We created more chances, had more shots and had more short corners, but our luck wasn't in. We hit the inside of the post on two occasions."

Stuart Boddy gave Doncaster the lead and scored again 12 minutes from time with an effort which came off Paul Turk.

Ben Payne went agonisingly close in each half with reverse stick shots, the second of which screamed against the underside of the bar, and Duncan Howarth hit the inside of the post.

Grinstead scored from a short corner with a couple of minutes remaining but Doncaster netted again through Gawaine Hogg.

Meanwhile, in National League division two on Saturday, Grinstead drew 5-5 away to Bath Buccaneers.

Although Grinstead were never behind, they were grateful to take a point as they finished the game with Mike Holland in goal for the first time in his career. Holland was forced to take the pads after Giles Dakin was harshly yellow carded.

Pattison said: "With four minutes to go, the score 4-4 and no recognised keeper, we were looking down the barrel. I was delighted with the performance. We kept our heads in difficult circumstances.

"We probably played our best hockey of the season against a side intent on attacking."

On target for Grinstead were Matt McNeill (two), Richard Payne, Ben Payne and Holland. The division's top scorer, Bobby Crutchley, hit four for Bath including three penalty strokes.