Southgate were unable to hold on to a two-goal lead and were pegged back by hosts Cambridge City in a 3-3 draw on Saturday.

The point leaves Southgate fifth in the Men’s Hockey League Conference East table, six points behind leaders Old Georgians.

After an even start, Southgate gradually got on top only to fall behind in the 32nd minute when Scott Gilmour gave the home side the lead.

However, the advantage was to be very shortlived as Australian Tim Luscombe equalised a minute later with his first goal for the club from a disputed penalty corner.

Having been behind, Southgate went in front in the 37th minute when Alex Williams followed in to score with the handle of his stick after a Luscombe shot had rebounded off the inside of the post.

Their advantage was extended after 52 minutes as Timmy Smyth half-volleyed in the rebound after Matt Allister’s shot had been saved by City keeper Dan Brown.

Cambridge refused to lie down though, and were back in the game five minutes later through a Nathaneal Farrant penalty corner.

Having pulled one goal back, the equaliser was to come just two minutes later as Eddie Harper levelled for City.