Sevenoaks travelled to the newly crowned League Champions Southgate on Saturday evening. Sevenoaks had a great game against Southgate last time around at Hollybush so were hopeful of a repeat performance and to take the three points home.
Southgate started the game strong with some quick ball movement and some pacey attacks. This resulted in a very early green card for player coach Ian Haley. Sevenoaks struggled to keep the ball under the high pressure of the Southgate press which resulted in many long balls being scooped up and send back towards the Sevenoaks goal.
When the game calmed down, Oaks managed to get a foothold in the game and created a few good opportunities attacking the Southgate circle, however they were unfortunate not to win some penalty corners in attack, and were then punished quickly with two swift counters to go down 2-0.
The second quarter started with Sevenoaks growing into the game. They managed to keep the ball for longer spells and test the Southgate back line more and more. Just as the momentum was building another sucker punch was made. As deadly Southgate forward Teague Marcano finished another counter to go 3-0.
Great character shown from Sevenoaks resulted in a response straight from push back. A lovely move down the left got the ball to Ben Selby in the D who slotted a powerful shot into the bottom corner. Sevenoaks pushed for another, but the first half finished 3-1 to the hosts.
The third quarter started as the second ended, Sevenoaks having plenty of the ball and creating opportunities. They got the ball in the Southgate D numerous times but couldn’t find that breakthrough. Winning some penalty corners but the Southgate defence stood strong. No goals in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Sevenoaks unfortunately didn’t learn from the first half as Southgate were again able to win possession and counter attack with great speed and elimination skills to break the defence to go through and beat young Rory Mylroi in goal.
With their heads dropping and realising that the game was slipping through their hands Sevenoaks conceded two more goals within a minute of each other seven minutes from time. The game finished 6-1 and highlighted the strength of the league champions Southgate.
Sevenoaks host Old Loughtonians on Sunday in their final game of the season, push back is at 2.00pm.
