The opening 10 minutes saw Saxons come out strong, defending resolutely and carving out a few promising breaks of their own.

However, around the 20-minute mark, Southwick took the lead after a mishit reverse shot looped over the keeper and into the net – a stroke of luck for the home side. Shortly after, Southwick doubled their advantage. Despite a solid initial save from Billy Whizz, a Southwick forward was quickest to react to the rebound, slotting home to make it 2-0.

At halftime, Saxons regrouped with a clear message: replicate the intensity of the first 10 minutes and maintain structure in midfield.

The visitors pulled one back with a well-worked goal starting deep in their own half. Ollie Cornelius took a quick free hit inside Saxons' 25, picking out Zach on the wing, who then fed Elliot in the D to fire home for 2-1 – game on.

Southwick pressed hard, earning multiple penalty corners, but Saxons stood firm. However, with around 10 minutes remaining, tired legs began to show, and Southwick capitalised with a strong solo run down the left flank, restoring their two-goal cushion.
Saxons rallied, pushing hard for another goal in the dying minutes, but it wasn’t to be.

Final Score: Southwick 1s 3 – 1 South Saxons 2s
Man of the Match: Harry Dyas – for a tireless performance and standout play throughout.
DoTD: Ollie Cornelius – for turning up in swimming shorts. Enough said!

Match Report from Harry Dyas