Taylor fires Beeston to play-off final clash with East Grinstead

MATTHEW Taylor hit the winner to fire Beeston into the England Hockey League play-off final as they upset the odds to defeat top-of-the-table Reading.

SURPRISE VICTORY: Beeston players celebrate as they overcame favourites Reading to reach the England Hockey League play-off final (Ady Kerry)

Beeston's 2-1 win sets up a clash with second-placed East Grinstead, who comprehensively defeated Surbiton in the other play-off semi final.

Reading, who had only conceded 26 goals all season, took the lead on 41 minutes through a penalty corner converted by Richard Springham.

But Beeston battled hard and levelled the game on 58 minutes as Andrew Monte scored from a penalty corner.

And it was the team who finished fourth in the league that were in the ascendancy before Taylor clinched the game for the them on 65 minutes.

The result is all the more impressive given the Nottingham-based club had had to negotiate a tricky tie with Loughborough Students on Saturday to reach the semi against form side Reading.

Despite their defeat, Reading will still play in Europe next season as England's third ranked representative, on account of having topped the table at the end of the regular season.

Both East Grinstead and Beeston will also represent England in the Euro Hockey League, with the rankings of first and second determined by the outcome of the play-off final.