Sanderstead's perfect record in South League Surrey Division Two was spoilt on Saturday as they fell to a shock 3-1 defeat to Walton & Weybridge Hawks.

Two unanswered goals in the last 10 minutes of Saturday’s game at Croydon High ended the Millers run, though they still hold a seven point lead over Addiscombe at the top of the table with nine games left.

Hawks had more of the possession in the first half but neither side created many scoring chances until Hawks nicked the ball in midfield and found their striker in a shooting position on the edge of the circle.

Goalkeeper Dan Pacitti rushed out and committed himself early, gifting his opponent with the option to round him and score.

Soon after, Sanderstead replied through captain Martyn Avery’s deflected short-corner shot, to level things up at half-time.

His teammates showed greater creativity after the break, as play moved quickly from end to end.

But, while shots rained in from open play and more short corners were awarded to the Millers, the hosts could not establish a lead.

They suffered late on at the hands of Walton’s clinical finishing – once when an unsighted Pacitti watched a free midfielder push home from close range, and later as poor marking let Hawks break unchallenged into the ‘D’ and finish with a fine strike from a narrow angle.

Coach Denzil Dolley said afterwards: “It’s a disappointment to lose, particularly when we didn’t play to our full potential.

"I think the Hawks had the better game and deserved the win.

"Now we must regroup and get back to winning ways, starting with our fixture at Richmond this Saturday.”

In the Surrey Open League, Sanderstead had mixed fortunes.

The best result came for the third XI, who clinched the points in a nail-biting 3-2 win over Hawks’ thirds straight after the defeat for the firsts.

Meanwhile the second XI's game against Kenley ended 1-1, meaning the Millers have now drawn exactly half of all this season’s matches.

The fourth team lost out 2-0 away against a strong Purley Walcountians fours.

Any player interested in joining Sanderstead hockey club should contact Martyn Avery on 07968 973305 or visit sandersteadhockey.com for more information.

The club always welcomes new players of all abilities.

The next 1st XI fixture is away against Richmond threes on Saturday, January 30. Push back will be at 3pm.