Sevenoaks opened up their National Division One South campaign with a bitterly disappointing defeat at home to local Kent rivals Canterbury. Despite controlling large parts of the game, Oaks struggled to fashion any clear cut opportunities, and eventually succumbed to two late breakaway goals.

Sevenoaks made a great start to the game, moving the ball well and enjoying long passages of possession. After five minutes a well worked move down the right hand side allowed James Thomas to access the baseline. Thomas was able to find the defender’s foot and win Oaks the first penalty corner of the game and an early sight on goal. A slick routine saw Ben Alberry’s drag-flick well saved by the Canterbury goalkeeper. Sevenoaks continued to pile on the pressure and two minutes later captain Chris Barker picked out Sam George on the edge of the Canterbury D who was able to win Oaks their second penalty corner. Canterbury’s goalkeeper once more denied Oaks their opening goal of the season with a smart glove save from Craig Wiid’s powerful flick. The game continued in this fashion for the majority of the first two quarters but Canterbury did show glimpses of what they were capable of. An unexpected turnover in their own half left Sevenoaks out of position and a Canterbury forward unmarked in their defensive D. Fortunately for Oaks, Richard Potton was alive to the danger and managed to keep out a superbly struck half volley. The sides went into the half time break locked at 0-0 with all to play for.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern with Oaks controlling the game and much of the play being in the Canterbury half of the pitch, albeit some poor turnovers and loose play from the Oaks engine room gifted Canterbury several dangerous counter attacking opportunities. Half way through the quarter, Oaks' patience and perseverance finally paid off as Ed Matts robbed the Canterbury centre back who was caught dawdling. Matts carried hard into the D and pulled back the ball to Tim Warrington who calmly

picked out Sam George on the far post. 1-0 to Oaks. Canterbury to their credit did not let their heads drop and minutes later capitalised on yet another unforced error from Oaks, a perfectly executed pass from the Canterbury winger splitting the retreating Oaks defenders and finding his team mate on the far post to finish. The score levelled at 1-1 going into the final quarter.

A cagey first few minutes saw both teams probing but without really threatening on goal. A mistimed tackle from one of the Oaks defenders enabled the umpire to flash green and reduce the home side for two minutes to ten men although Canterbury failed to take advantage of the numerical advantage and never really tested Potton. Just as Oaks were restored to a full complement and looking to press forwards, Canterbury struck. Canterbury’s deep defence exploited a cheap turnover on the edge of their defensive D from which they sprung a full pitch counter attack. The visitors moved the ball well and found a forward in space on the side of the Oaks D, his shot beating Potton and hitting the post but falling kindly to another Canterbury player who found the back of the net. 2-1 to Canterbury.

The hosts committed players forward and pushed hard to find an equalizer. Oaks had opportunities to bring the game level with two late penalty corners but it simply was not to be as Andrew Ross and Wiid found their efforts thwarted. With a minute to go, Canterbury took advantage of some poor out-letting and slotted home to seal the victory 3-1.

A hugely frustrating result for Sevenoaks after a very promising pre-season. Craig Morten was the well-deserved Sevenoaks man of the match for an excellent defensive display despite the result. The opposition goalkeeper put in a solid performance, denying Oaks on numerous occasions, but Oaks will no doubt feel that they could have done more.

Sevenoaks will pick themselves up and go again this Sunday away against Bath Buccaneers at 2pm.