Epsom downed 3-2 by jubilant Flagons

Southgate men’s O40s rack up a well-deserved home win against the league leaders.

“Knocking Epsom down a peg or two after our 6-0 drubbing last week was sweet revenge indeed,” said captain Greg Wildisen.

Flagons fielded a strong team, with additional support from Matt Grinham and Chris Fell really strengthening the ranks that had lost 6-0 away to the same opposition just a week earlier. “Despite early possession and chances, lapses in concentration saw us go not one, but two down with 10 minutes to go in the first half,” said Wildisen. “We then focused and fought back hard, keeping possession and when a deflected chance came to Sam and he drilled it reverse stick into the back of the net.”

Going into half time 2-1 was a fair reflection of the play, but it was Southgate that came out after the break passing better, holding possession better and taking their chances better. “Felly scored a nice short corner and Scotty worked his magic to smash one into the back of the net and take us to a 3-2 lead,” Wildisen added. “From there it was all hands to the pump and we defended their repeated attacks and even had a few more chances. All in all a much improved game and a terrific result against a solid side.”

Congratulations Flagons! Pictured are the victorious team toasting their success in the bar afterwards.

Tankards Y were the only of Southgate’s East League teams to win securing a 2-1 victory against Welwyn Garden City M3s. Wayne Garner and Duncan Trathen scored the goals while MoM honours were shared between Freddie Trathen and Mark Thomsett.

Meanwhile, M5s six-match winning-streak came to an end in a tightly contested top of the table clash away to Clapham Common 2s that finished 3-1.

Despite a couple of goalmouth scrambles and penalty corners, ‘Gate were unable to convert the pressure into a goal.

A low strike gave Clapham the lead 10 minutes before the break, with Southgate relieved to hear the half-time whistle to regroup.

After half-time, the away team were back in control when Ivan Stark produced a smart finish into the corner to level the game at 1-1.

Unfortunately for Southgate, this rattled the home team and they regained their advantage only to push it home as M5s sought a late equaliser, and Southgate were once more punished on the counter attack. MoM went to Sam Drury, for a solid display in both central midfield and right-back.