OLD Loughtonians won a hard fought game away to Surbiton with player/coach Nick Thompson scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds.

Loughts were hoping to gain another three points after their fine performance against Guildford the week before.

The Essex boys dominated the first half, creating chance after chance, but were unable to find the finishing touches to some great moves.

Owen Jones, Ian Morrison and Nick Thompson all had chances but were unable to find the back of the net, until Thompson scored in the 39th minute from a penalty corner.

Bad discipline once again nearly spoilt Old Loughts' chances when they had three players sent to the sin bin for poor tackling, but Loughts' keeper George Harris kept Surbiton at bay, making some brilliant saves that even had the home crowd applauding.

However, in the 68th minute Surbiton were rewarded for their hard work when their Scottish international James Burns tapped the ball into the back of the net from two yards out.

It looked like the game was destined to finish at 1-1 until Nick Thompson managed to rifle the ball home with the last hit of the game to send the Old Loughts fans wild.

The team start their EHA Cup campaign next weekend when they travel to Ipswich in the third round on Sunday.

Old Loughts ladies put in an impressive performance in front of their home crowd on Saturday to notch up a 4-0 win against newly promoted Liverpool Quilters.

With one goal from Lynn Wright and a hat-trick from captain Sally Tredget the win has moved the team into first position in the table, one point clear of rivals Loughborough Students.

With a long trip to Sunderland ahead of them this weekend, player/coach Clare Harvie will be looking to capitalise on their current form and scoop another victory.

Surbiton1

Old Loughts2

(English Hockey League Premier Division)

November 2, 2001 15:09