On Saturday evening Sevenoaks Men’s 1st team hosted Southgate in their third home game of the season. Following a disappointing result against Brighton, the home team were determined to make amends in what has historically been a fiercely contested encounter.

Sevenoaks started emphatically, controlling possession and exerting pressure on the Southgate defence. Their initial hard work paid off with Oaks winning two early penalty corner opportunities, both of which were well saved by the Southgate goalkeeper. Max Denniff continued his brilliant start to the season, pulling the strings in the midfield for Sevenoaks and creating a wonderful open play opportunity which very nearly broke the deadlock.

Somewhat against the run of play, Southgate forced an uncharacteristic Sevenoaks turnover and executed a slick counter attack to go 1-0 up in the second quarter. This was the first time this season that Oaks had conceded the opening goal of the game. They needed to stay focussed, stick to the game plan and show their resilience. Sevenoaks did exactly that and weathered the ensuing purple patch from Southgate, defending superbly to see out the rest of the quarter and go in 1-0 down at half time.

Frustration started to creep in a little during the third quarter as Southgate continued to defend well and exploit their counter attacking opportunities. The midfield battle dominated the quarter with some wayward tackles going in and both teams picking up green cards. As the quarter progressed Sevenoaks became more threatening but were still unable to convert a number of agonisingly close opportunities. Southgate were looking confident about their prospects of holding out for the win.

With the resumption of the game and the start of the final quarter, Sevenoaks were determined to avoid a second home defeat of the season. Playing some brilliant hockey and raising their tempo significantly, Oaks won a number of early penalty corners. This time the pressure paid off with Andrew Ross equalising for Oaks through a well rehearsed short corner routine. This galvanised Sevenoaks who continued to pile on the pressure in the final ten minutes. Southgate were well organised at the back and it looked like it might be another disappointing day at the office for Oaks before captain Chris Barker forced a turnover high up the pitch in the final few minutes of the game, winning a penalty corner and a final opportunity for the home side. Andrew Ross stepped up to coolly slot home a well taken drag flick, giving Oaks the lead and, minutes later, the victory.

A brilliant result for Sevenoaks and one where they showed great determination and character. They travel to Oxford next Saturday to play Oxford Hawkes at 5pm.