Richmond Griffins 1 Sanderstead 2

Surrey Division Two

Richmond Griffins 1 Sanderstead 2

SANDERSTEAD resisted a late rally from struggling Richmond last Saturday to get back to winning ways.

Richmond were the stronger side and tried to unsettle the league leaders. Although both teams had chances a combination poor finishing and gutsy last-ditch defending kept the match goalless.

Sanderstead should have capitalised on a yellow card for Richmond, but they failed to score against the 10 men.

Dom Knolles had arguably the best opportunity of the period, narrowly missing out at the back post after Denzil Dolley's cross.

Dolley twice hit the goal frame with lifted efforts as the Richmond keeper rushed out to shut down the shooting angle.

After the break, the same two forwards combined again, Knolles taking a pass from his team-mate and drawing a foul on the Richmond goal-line. Dolley neatly slotted home the penalty flick.

Mark Bryan doubled the lead with his fourth of the season from a short corner. He almost turned provider as he swept a pass to Dolley, but the shot was deflected over the bar from close range.

Richmond's revival made for an interesting end to the encounter, converting their first short corner of the game and pushing forward from midfield in search of a result, but the Millers worked hard to shut them out.

Sanderstead's third XI lost 8-6 to Merton despite hat-tricks from Mark Mear and Rob Lunt, while the fourth XI registered a 2-0 home win over Leatherhead.

Both goals came from leading scorer Neil Priest.

To join Sanderstead contact Martyn Avery on 07968 973305 or visit www.sandersteadhockey.com for more information. Players of all abilities are welcome.