M1 So Close To Securing Top Spot After Win At EG
By Surbiton HC
Surbiton Men are one point away from ensuring a first place finish at the end of the 2019-20 Men's Hockey League Premier Division regular season.
A convincing 5-0 win at East Grinstead saw them back to winning ways after drawing their last two league games, 1-1 at Hampstead and 3-3 at home to Old Georgians.
A professional performance helped them keep a clean sheet as they focus on the upcoming challenges of the Euro Hockey League and the League Playoffs after seeing out the regular season
Surbiton took the lead in the ninth minute when Luke Taylor's low-right drag-flick beat East Grinstead goalkeeper, Patrick Smith.
In the 20th minute, Arjan Drayton Chana's sublime finish doubled the visitors' lead with Alan Forsyth's powerful shot from short range three minutes before the interval, putting Surbiton firmly in control at half time with a 3-0 lead.
Five minutes after half time, James Royce powered a penalty corner home to give Surbiton a four goal advantage with Rob Farrington scoring the fifth goal in the 65th minute after combining with Forsyth.
Surbiton hold an eight point lead over second placed Wimbledon with three games remaining and would have to overcome a nineteen inferior goal difference if the teams ended the season level on points.
Wimbledon won 3-1 at Reading to leave the Berkshire club four points adrift of ninth placed Brooklands Manchester University.
Hampstead & Westminster beat Old Georgians 3-1, meaning the top three teams are all in the playoffs.
Old Georgians will be favourites to claim the fourth and final spot, with a five point advantage over Holcombe and eight over Beeston, with their home game against Beeston to be rearranged.
Beeston snatched a last gasp winner as they beat the University of Exeter 2-1 in Nottingham and Brooklands drew 1-1 at home to Holcombe.
Surbiton face Brooklands in their next home match on 29 February, push back 2 pm.