Saxons knocked off the top

Saxons were unable to convert their superiority into goals during a scoreless first half and conceded three times in a disappointing second period.

Saxons started the South Hockey League Sussex Area - Division One game brightly, dominating possession and creating a number of good chances. Wasteful finishing, however, and an inspired performance from the home goalkeeper kept Saxons at bay.

The second half started in much the same vein with Saxons dominating, but struggling to make their chances count and they needed a volleyed goal-line clearance from man of the match Pete Watters to stay on level terms.

The game swung Mid-Sussex’s way during a 10-minute spell. The breakthrough came when Saxons were outnumbered and an unmarked forward swept in at the back post. Moments later Saxons found themselves undone by another counter and Mid-Sussex scored with a penalty flick.

George Deaves was sin-binned for five minutes after arguing the penalty decision, leaving Saxons with 10 men and no goalkeeper. Watters volunteered to play at ‘kicking back’, but was left exposed as Mid-Sussex tapped in their third.

Saxons: Deaves, Watters, Ford, Cornish, Burnett, Stainsby, Orr, Eldridge, Coombs, Busbridge,