Saxons suffer second half nightmare

Dom Ford lunges into a tackle during South Saxons' 7-1 loss to Sutton Valence II

The Hastings-based side matched Sutton Valence II for the majority of the South Hockey League Kent/Sussex - Regional 2 contest, but would eventually suffer their heaviest defeat of the campaign in their final game before the festive break.

Saxons started well, creating opportunities and putting Sutton Valence under some early pressure. But as the half progressed, Sutton Valence became more prominent and their pressure paid off with the opening goal from a well worked short corner.

Although Saxons were on the back foot for a while, they got back on level terms when Harry Reece fed the ball to Jamie Busbridge and he slotted home neatly.

However, the second half was one to forget for Saxons as they conceded a penalty flick which Sutton Valence took advantage of to take the lead again. They soon extended their advantage through another short corner and from there on dominated possession for the rest of the game.

Seventh-placed Sutton Valence were able to score four more goals to leave Saxons wondering what went wrong as the home side’s backline was found wanting on numerous occasions.

Saxons lie second-from-bottom having failed to win since the opening day. They will return to action on Saturday January 11 at home to third-bottom Cliftonville.

Saxons: Feakes, Ford, Welch, Cload, Reed, Burnett, Cornish, Coombs, Stainsby, Reece, Busbridge. Subs: Bunday, Buss.