Sanderstead’s top two sides notched up wins in very different circumstances on Saturday.

While the first team were pushed hard by Merton before winning 3-2, the seconds had a much easier 3-0 win against Addiscombe.

Competing in South League Surrey Division One, the firsts were off to a flying start with John Devaney winning two short corners in the opening 15 minutes.

Both were converted by the in-form Mark Hunnisett to set up a commanding lead.

The striker could have sealed a quick hat-trick but was denied by Merton’s goalie, who deserves much credit for keeping his team in the game, not least after one of his midfielders was sin-binned for lashing out at Sanderstead’s Mark Bryan.

Against 10-man Merton, the Millers were over-confident of scoring more goals, and paid the price when they conceded on the break.

After the interval both sides maintained the pressure in an end-to-end affair.

Sanderstead’s Dan Pacitti pulled off numerous saves, and was well supported by defenders Simon Carter and Emit Raja, the latter making a successful return to the squad.

At the other end, winger Richard Bruce extended the visitors’ advantage, finishing off a smart combination between Martyn Avery and Hunnisett to make it 3-1.

Sustained pressure from the hosts caused errors of judgment from Bryan and James Godden, both of whom were yellow-carded to give Merton a fighting chance of a comeback.

A second Merton goal went in from a short corner with just five minutes to play, but Sanderstead had enough in reserve to hold off their counterparts.

In fact, chances went begging late on for Devaney and Gavin Bradley, before the final whistle was blown at 3-2.

Captain Avery said: “Even when we were down to nine men, our fitness and determination to win made the difference for us.

"We will need to show similar characteristics throughout the season in order to maintain our challenge in this league.”

His team faces a point-less Addiscombe this weekend.

The seconds made it a brace of wins for Sanderstead on Saturday, outplaying a very average Addiscombe seconds to record a 3-0 win.

A goal each for Russell Haque, Chris O’Hagan and Greg Gilson gave the Millers the points.

There could have been more goals but for a series of missed opportunities at set pieces, the closest of which was Dom Knolles’ flicked effort that rebounded off the crossbar.

Sanderstead dominated the midfield, limiting their opponents to little in the way of useful possession.

As a result Sanderstead’s goalie Rich Young was barely troubled by Addiscombe’s attack, particularly with sweeper Andrew Keen on hand to put in the tackles.

Haque opened the scoring after combining with O’Hagan down the right flank and deflecting his team-mate’s cross into the goal.

The offensive continued after half-time, when O’Hagan connected with Marco Ricci’s cross and doubled the lead.

With minutes left on the clock, Sanderstead added their third.

Bejoy Pal and O’Hagan were involved in the build-up that saw Gilson convert in the midst of a goal-mouth melee.

“We fully deserved this win, playing with greater confidence and composure compared to our previous two outings,” said Knolles.

“Our superior fitness and greater team spirit have earned us our first three points and we’re looking forward to our meeting with Cheam at the weekend.”

Sanderstead hockey club is keen to hear from players of all abilities who would like to join the squad.

Anyone interested can find out more by attending training at Warlingham School on Tuesday evenings, by visiting www.sandersteadhockey.com or by contacting Martyn Avery on 07968 973305.

The next fixtures are on Saturday 23 October:

1st XI v Addiscombe 1s, 1pm start at Croydon High School.

2nd XI v Cheam, 1pm start at Nonsuch School, Cheam.