South Saxons 2nd XI welcomed Worthing II’s to Horntye Park, in what was expected to be a hard fought and challenging fixture given both teams 100% winning record thus far this season.

Saxons started brightly in the early exchanges, pegging Worthing back into their own half. However, Saxons failed to convert this possession into any clear goal scoring opportunities as the Worthing defence held firm. Frustrations began to appear in the Saxons ranks, and a string of uncharacteristic mistakes, as well as players trying to do too much with the ball led to the young Worthing side being able to turn the ball over and counter attack quickly on many occasion during the first half. Worthing took advantage of the Saxon indiscipline, and took the lead from a short corner that was unluckily deflected in via Dom Ford’s facemask, with the shot originally going off target. Saxons looked to bounce back straight away, and began to play the kind of hockey that had boded them so well in their previous matches. However, similar to the initial phases of the game, they could not make this count, and further indiscipline cost the sides progress, as skipper James Bunday was yellow carded. Fortunately, the much needed half-time break came soon after, though Worthing would have been much the happier side going into the break.

As the second half got underway, the introduction of Aston Spinks into midfield rejuvenated Saxons and the team began to take control of the game. Nonetheless, Saxons still had to rely on the ever impressive and man of the match Nate Webster in the sticks to pull off some find saves to keep at bay the Worthing counter attacks, and keep Saxons in the game. Nevertheless, as the game went on, it was clear the Worthing team began to tire, and Saxons began to bombard with attack after attack. However, similar to the first half, Saxons couldn’t convert their chances, with Ed Hooton squandering an open goal opportunity. Despite this, Saxons never gave up, and the impressive trio of Tom James, Ford and Spinks were beginning to take a stronghold in controlling the play and further tiring out the Worthing side. Fortunately, Saxons finally got their just rewards, as the tireless midfielder James Wilson was able to weave through a couple of defenders to release Nick Taylor who fired in a reverse stick hit through the keepers legs to make it 1-1 with 5 minutes to go. Saxons continued their dominance and pushed for a winner, but the Worthing defence held firm till the final whistle, and it finished as a well-earned draw.

Saxons will be pleased with their second half fightback, and a draw was probably a fair result against a strong side and fellow title-challengers. Saxons take on Lewes 3’s tomorrow, looking to get back to winning ways and maintain pressure on league leaders Brighton and Hove Rocks.