It was a double blow to Edinburgh University’s Hockey Club on the first day of BUSA knockout matches as, after seeing the Women’s side tumble from the competition at the hands of Durham earlier in the day, the mens' eleven narrowly lost out to a place in the final eight on Wednesday 13th February. Nottingham University’s first XI extinguished Edinburgh’s BUSA dream with a golden goal courtesy of Grant Aidoo Nash in the eighth minute of extra time after full time concluded in a 1-1 stalemate.

With Edinburgh’s squad aiming for promotion in to the Premier League next season Peffermill was the ideal arena in which to showcase their calibre to the raucous crowd gathered to support the team during their pivotal BUSA clash. Both teams began the match striving for domination and their determination was exemplified in two penalty corners being awarded to each team in the opening ten minutes. It was Edinburgh who capitalised on their second penalty corner, however, and with brilliant precision Will Butler drove the ball in to the back of the net in the tenth minute giving Edinburgh a 1-0 lead.

With both teams’ sights set on success the match became gritty as Nottingham played hard for an equaliser after Edinburgh’s early control. Edinburgh University’s green card in the 20th minute showed the aggressiveness with which the team defended their lead. Unable to penetrate Edinburgh's steely defence scoops began to be played by Nottingham and the spectacular aerial play heightened the excitement of an already tense match. Despite the change in tactics Nottingham remained unsuccessful in their goal attempts and Edinburgh went comfortably in to half-time maintaining their 1-0 lead over their challengers.

Nottingham began the second half of the match with restored valour and their tough attacking play tested Goal keeper Sam Tett’s nerves but a foray of brilliant saves left Edinburgh’s lead intact. Frustration at their inability to keep possession was clear in both teams and it wasn’t long until a second green card was given to Edinburgh, this time to captain Richard McCorkell for an attempted tackle from behind.

In an initially fruitless second half for Nottingham Edinburgh’s hopes of progressing to the next round looked like a sure thing as they denied all of Nottingham’s equalising attempts. With Edinburgh still in the lead with five minutes of the match left the home crowd prepared to sing their victory song. A devastating goal by Nottingham’s captain Alex Tong brought the score to a 1-1 draw in the 65th minute, however, silencing the Edinburgh fans’ premature jubilation.

Edinburgh fought for a second goal and with two minutes to go they succeeded and as the ball crossed the goal line Edinburgh rejoiced at progressing to the final eight. Their joy was short-lived though, as the goal was disallowed and the game progressed into extra time.

With the adrenaline of an eventful match pushing both teams forward the extra time could have gone either way. Edinburgh went for the winning goal but were devastatingly denied. In the eighth minute of extra time Nottingham’s Nash ended Edinburgh’s BUSA journey, clinching victory with his golden goal. Despite not progressing to the next round, Edinburgh showed brilliant form against a strong Nottingham side.