Southgate Results Roundup by Parmodh Sharma:

Loughborough M1 4 - 0 Southgate M1

The bruising from their previous defeat at the hands of East Grinstead has left its mark and Southgate paid the penalty for a nervous first half display in which they showed far too little confidence, tempo and attacking intent. Frequent turnovers inside their own half as they failed to make real progress up the pitch led to Loughborough counter-attack opportunities.

After several narrow escapes the 'Gate went 1-0 down after an opposition forward reacted quickest to an advantage played in the D. The second and third goals followed soon after and a woeful half ended with the visitors three goals behind.

Eighteen seconds into the second half Southgate handed Loughborough a corner which was dispatched to effectively end the game. However, an improved performance from then on saw no further goals conceded and hopefully some confidence can be taken from this into next weekend's match.

In losing this bottom half encounter Southgate now find themselves in the relegation spot. As things are there is everything to play for and Gate need belief, determination and plenty of support from the club members to get the results.

Southgate L1 3 - 1 Horsham L1
[Tat Gutman-Hancock, Alice Madden, Libby Sheriff]

This was a great result against Horsham an experienced well seasoned side used to higher league affrays over the years. It is true to say Horsham outplayed a young Southgate team 3-0 in the play-offs and the result was 0-0 draw away in the first half of the season …. so a win was on the cards back home at sunny Southgate.

From the off Southgate looked miles better than last week and it was evidenced by Tat scoring a quick five minute goal which relaxed the nerves and immediately took the pressure off. Horsham pressed hard but goals were defended with determination which helped team confidence and the second goal was not long in coming as Alice Madden scored from the break from a defensive short corner.

Although the visitors were prevented from consolidating goal chances whilst pressuring their goal-mouth, to their credit they eventually pulled off a short corner good enough to beat our defence …. it brought the score to a crunching 2-1. After seven minutes however, ever reliable Libby replied with a counter short-corner goal to ensure a solid win for the Gate … a great team effort against a tough opposition.

Southgate L2 1 - 3 Wycombe L2
(Emma Sole)

Wycombe scored a very lucky and early goal in the first two minutes of the game, followed by a second goal just before half time. Unfortunately, it took Southgate some time to get into the game properly and find their recent good form.

An outstanding goal from Emma Sole put the 2s back in the running for a result, but despite some excellent play and a really hard push from the 2s in the second half of the game, the team could not find an equaliser. As Gate pushed forward Wycombe scored a third goal a few minutes before the end of the game and demonstrated why they deserve to be in the top three in the league.

The 2s can feel confident that they can win some crucial games in the coming weeks to consolidate their position in the South league. The 2s have the ability; experience and an outstanding inspirational skipper and given fair wind – and a small spec of luck – there is nothing to stop the 2s finishing in the top five.

Southgate Vets 13 - 2 East Devon Vets … EH Cup Competititon
[Wiz x3, Biffy x3, Rowan x2, Andy x3, RBL, Chris]

Southgate Vets showed no mercy in dispatching East Devon with ease in their last sixteen of the cup competition. It would be fair to say that the mature boys of Southgate gave a master class of outstanding hockey with some excellent team work, skill and ball control – the most active thing on the field appeared to be the ball!

There was little hesitation sensed among players to volunteer to get on the score sheet ….. it was good to witness this enthusiasm. The contributors to the goal binge were: Wiz [I will play for anyone who will have me!]; Biff [I am a big lad - no kidding boys!]; Rowan [I am the fittest vet on two legs!] and Andy [I will not give up until I have dribbled round the keeper!].

Other important but less memorable contributions were by RBL and Chris one of the favourites at Southgate over the years. Southgate proved too strong for the visitors as most of the Southgate players still play to a good standard on Saturdays …...

The downsides of the game were the two goals conceded by Southgate … the team must tighten up their defensive play by eliminating elementary errors if they are to realise their aspirations of being vets champions.

Skipper Mike the Cat [after a few jars of Guinness] commented "it wasn't a bad display by the team but I would have liked to be part of it".

Parmodh Sharma
020 8440 6305