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Southgate Men took to the floor for the biggest day out in recent memory as they took in Wimbledon in the Semi Final against the backdrop of a sell out crowd, half time cycle races and Ali Gator helping captain John Sterlini in leading the team out in front of the cameras.

 

Watch the game here! from 2hrs 59 minutes in

John Sterlini leads out the Southgate team. Wimbledon v Southgate – Men’s Super6s Semi Final at Derby Arena, Derby, Derbyshire, UK on 26 January 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images

Southagte had a pulsating first half with GB’s Will Calnan, Karan Sofat and John Sterlini all getting chances away. The game was held in a state of animated tension until 30 seconds before the end of Q1 when Wimbledon scored two goals on the bounce to deliver a tough blow to the Southgate players.

 

Southgate’s Will Calnan. Wimbledon v Southgate – Men’s Super6s Semi Final at Derby Arena, Derby, Derbyshire, UK on 26 January 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images

Southgate rallied and managed to claw back a goal from Calnan to the delight to the Southgate support packing out Stand D as Ali the Gator led them in chants and cheers for the team considered rank outsiders of the 4 semi finalist including the top 4 teams in the UK. Wimbledon proved a class act and took their chances with elan and verve and the game went into half time at 4-1.

Southgate’s Calum Douglas. Wimbledon v Southgate – Men’s Super6s Semi Final at Derby Arena, Derby, Derbyshire, UK on 26 January 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images

The third quarter saw Southgate keeper pull off a succession of outstanding saves and still Southgate fought with Joe Hillyer in the chairman’s lucky glove troubling Ogunlana between the Don’s sticks. Yet the South Londoners held firm and added a goal for good measure to leave the scores sat at 5-1 going into the final quarter.

From a Southgate perspective the final quarter was painful as the team threw the kitchen sink at trying to get back into the contest- but it left the defence exposed and Wimbledon were merciless on the attack punishing evert turn over and leaving Ali the Gator needing to fall into the arms of the England Hockey mascot for much needed comfort. The game ended in a 11-1 loss- yet despite the scoreline the game was largely competitive and the team received a huge ovation from the crowd. The fact they reached this big stage, defeating Holcombe on the way to claim their spot surprised many. The cards did not fall for Southgate on Sunday afternoon yet the real achievement was already in the bag and there was a swell of pride as The Gator led out the Southgate players on this the biggest stage in England Hockey’s domestic calendar.

Not an easy result to stomach but as the pain and bruising wear off through the week, the feeling of pride and a job well done should permeate all who were involved in this amazing indoor campaign. Special mention to the support team and the spectators who made it to Derby. We will be back.

Southgate’s Max Garner. Wimbledon v Southgate – Men’s Super6s Semi Final at Derby Arena, Derby, Derbyshire, UK on 26 January 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images