Premier Division Match Report, Southgate Hockey Club
7-3 vs Wimbledon M1
16th March 2024
Raynes Park High School, London
Match report by Simon Parker

The M1s began phase 3 of their Premier Division campaign with a trip back down to Wimbledon for the second time this season. As a quick recap, for phase 3, the top 6 clubs from phase 1, plus the top 2 clubs from the bottom 6 after phase 2, form two pools of four teams playing each other once with the two top from each pool going through to the semi-finals.

With the home supporters kept away perhaps due to local road closures, matches like this really make us appreciate the support we have from club members, as the home crowd numbered 25 at maximum. At least Southgate would not have to worry about the twelfth man!

With an unchanged side and fresh from beating England U21s in mid-week, Southgate arrived in a confident mode and excited for the battle ahead. As the match got underway, it didn’t take long for the opening goal. Unfortunately, it came from Sam Hopper as Wimbledon converted an early penalty corner in the third minute. The lead was shot lived as that man Teague Marcano equalised for Southgate two minutes later deflecting the ball past Ore Ogunlana in the Wimbledon goal after Charles Hamilton had played the ball in. The first quarter ended even at 1-1.

The second quarter belonged to Wimbledon as they scored three unanswered goals via penalty corners from Ben Francis and Sam Hooper, and a backhand volley from Evan Kimber to make the score 4-1 to the home side at half time.

Always expect the unexpected when Kwan Browne is coaching, and so it was when Southgate started the second half with eleven outfield players and goalkeeper Anton van Loggerenberg on the sidelines. The gamble quickly paid off as Southgate won a penalty corner which was converted by Karan Sofat with a well worked routine to make the score 4-2, and give the North London side a fighting chance.

The fourth quarter started with Southgate using a more traditional set up with van Loggerenberg back in goal, however Hooper got his hat trick from another penalty corner in the 55th minute to give Wimbledon a 5-2 lead, forcing Southgate to withdraw van Loggerenberg again as they chased the game. The gamble didn’t pay off on this occasion as Wimbledon scored again through Kimber, and then Hooper got his fourth as Southgate were forced to defend a penalty corner without a goalkeeper.

Right at the death, Matt Ramshaw got a consolation goal for Southgate with the match ending 7-3.

The M1s now face a tricky match as they head to Surbiton again on Saturday, however with Dan West and Ali Douglas having recovered from injury and available for selection, the mode in the squad is one of optimism and determination to put a performance together that realises their potential. A win is also a must if they are to keep their hopes of making Finals weekend alive.