A late goal saw Sanderstead lose 2-1 to Wanderers' third team on Saturday, pushing the club down to fifth place in the table.

They are now seven points behind the leaders and five points behind this weekend’s opponents, Bank of England.

Wanderers opened the scoring from a short corner but were then under pressure for much of the first half.

Sanderstead created numerous chances but converted none with Alex Vernon going closest with an ‘equaliser’ that struck his body before crossing the line.

Half time saw the Millers change formation and maintain their presence in the Wanderers’ circle.

Scoring still proved to be something of an ordeal until Mark Hunnisett had a shot stopped illegally on the line.

He confidently dispatched the resulting flick and sparked an end-to-end finish to the encounter.

Moments from the final whistle, Wanderers advanced into the Millers D and slipped the ball into the net.

To the frustration of the Millers, an infringement by Wanderers just outside the circle had gone unnoticed, but their protests to the umpire fell on deaf ears.

“Our three losses this season have been by a single-goal margin, so we are definitely capable of challenging at this level,” said Sanderstead captain Martyn Avery.

“We need to be more clinical in our finishing to see off our opponents when we have the chances.

"And we could do with having just a little bit more luck at times.”

Sanderstead hockey club is always on the lookout for new talent to join the burgeoning squad.

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend the regular training sessions held on Tuesday evenings at Warlingham School.

More information is available by contacting Martyn Avery on 07968 973305 or by visiting the club’s website at sandersteadhockey.com.

Next fixtures are on Saturday 20 November:

1st XI v Bank of England at Bank of England Sports Club (push-back time to be confirmed).

2nd XI v Reigate Priory 3s, 1pm at Croydon High School.