Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Prebble nets in defeat
Josh Prebble’s goal proved in vain for third-placed Canterbury men’s 1sts in their England Hockey League Division 1 South loss at Old Loughtonians 1sts. Canterbury started strongly, having opportunities in the first quarter, but they were unable to capitalise on them. And against the run of play, Old Loughtonians managed to find the bottom left-hand corner to open the scoring.
But Canterbury continued applying pressure, and they were rewarded with Prebble’s goal.
The visitors carried on creating chances, although it was the home side who scored next to restore their advantage from a penalty corner. Two more Old Loughtonians efforts ensured the city club were consigned to a 4-1 defeat. Canterbury Pilgrims suffered a 4-2 loss at the hands of highflying hosts Folkestone Optimist 1sts in SE Division 1 East, despite a Stewart Keir brace. Ben Lawford and Richard Sabine were welcomed to Canterbury’s squad and it was 1-1 at half-time.
But after the interval, Folkestone's forwards proved too strong, leading to three more home strikes.
Andrew Hurst stepped up for a flick with the last play of the game. He fired it straight at the home keeper’s body - leading to a rebound which Keir swept up - but his side’s second goal was a mere consolation.
Olly Curtiss was named Canterbury’s player-of-the-match. Goals from Sam Ericson and Sam Schurring steered the 5ths to their first Division 1 Invicta win of the season, beating Tunbridge Wells 2nds 2-0. The press from Canterbury’s forwards worked really well and created turnover ball and chances, which led to them taking the lead before halftime as Ericson scored from his first touch - a minute after coming on - after a great pass from Lee Gardiner.
The second half was an even and tense affair, but Canterbury’s hard work ensured that they didn't concede and, from one of their penalty corners, Schurring finished nicely. Centre midfielders Will Upton and Will Gardiner were both named as Canterbury’s top players on the day.