3s and 4s share the points

Although never ideal having two teams in the same league this was a fast open game at a cold and windy Southdown Club. The 3rd's will wonder how they failed to convert all their possession into a comfortable win but the 4's will point to a solid defensive performance and their ability to convert limited opportunities into goals.

The 3rd's took the lead when a penalty corner shot from Josh Petty was deflected into the goal after fifteen minutes and they were well worth their lead. 4's goalkeeper Chris Sharpe made some good saves to keep the scoreline the same and Martyn Stillman, Simon Forster and Billy Smart made numerous tackles to prevent the 3's controlling midfield. Just on half time a lovely move between Stillman and Mike Fuller saw Stillman dive from close range to level the score for the 4's at 1-1 at half time.

The 3's dominated the second period but could not convert their chances into further goals. Surprisingly it was from a long ball out of the 3's defence that caught the 4's defence out as Luke Mcgahan rounded the last defender and slotted home with just over ten minutes remaining. The 3's were unable to see out the match as the 4's pushed forward in the final minute and won a penalty corner where skipper Rob Heinzl's shot was cleared off the line but Smart drove the ball into the goal to ensure honours finished even.

Report by Paul Spruce