Southgate 2 v 1 Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks Men’s 1st XI took on Southgate Hockey Club this weekend in search of a much needed 3 points after two unfavourable results, despite the team performing well and improving on the attacking aspects of their game.

Oaks started the game in good shape after an extended warm up and knocked on the Southgate door, having four penalty corners in quick succession. To their frustration, they were not able to convert any of them and the first quarter ended in a 0-0 stale mate.

After the two-minute break, Oaks were eager to make up for the missed opportunities. However, early in the quarter the Southgate forwards were given an opportunity after an Oaks error during an outlet phase. This mistake gave some room for a shot which wrong-footed keeper Joe Neighbour and gave Southgate a 1-0 lead. Immediately after this, Oaks shifted the momentum of the game in their favour and after some smart play going forward, midfielder Cody van Wyk had a reverse stick shot that was well saved by the Southgate goalkeeper. Oaks had no intention of sitting back in the game, and continued to press forwards, but couldn’t find that elusive goal.

The third quarter started with Oaks continuing to pressure the Southgate defence and Oaks forward, Paul Macleod, found himself on the baseline after eliminating his opposing defender, but his pass narrowly missed Ben Allberry. The quarter ended with Oaks still trailing 1-0, but feeling positive going into the last quarter.

The last quarter saw Oaks have arguably their best quarter of pressing this season as the Southgate defence were completely unable to connect with their midfield which led to a high number of turnovers in favour of Oaks. One of these turnover opportunities was rewarded with a penalty corner, however, after a failed routine, Southgate quickly turned defence into attack and earned a penalty corner of their own that was converted on the rebound giving them a 2-0 lead. The Oaks side reacted positively and with five minutes remaining, Ben Allberry converted a penalty corner for Oaks, leaving everything to play for at the death of game. Oaks started to move the ball efficiently and found gaps in the Southgate defence and once again, earned another penalty corner with around 30 seconds on the clock. A flick by Andrew Ross was saved and the rebound by James Thomas was saved again, leaving the ball to fall into Southgate possession who closed out the game, taking the 3 points as the final whistle was blown.

Oaks will definitely feel disappointed with the outcome of the game but will aim to learn from their errors and bounce back next weekend when they take on Oxford Hawks at Hollybush Lane on Saturday at 5pm.