Southgate kept pace with the top of the East Conference with a 6-4 win over Old Loughtonians at Trent Park.

The visitors took the lead early on when Maciej Janiszewski scored after just four minutes, but the lead was short-lived as Alex Williams equalised when he steered in the rebound from a penalty corner.

The visitors restored their lead in the 11th minute through Andrew McGregor but 10 minutes later it was all square again when John Sterlini converted from the penalty spot, and Joe Sterlini edged the hosts ahead just before the break with a first-time finish from a well-worked penalty corner.

Southgate were playing with the wind in the second half and made good use of it early on when Rob Schilling’s deflected effort went in, but Janiszewski converted his second to bring Old Loughtonains back into it.

However, Southgate proved to be too good in the closing stages, and goals from Schilling and Jonny Maunder sealed the points, despite William Smith adding a fourth for the away side.

Southgate welcome league champions Old Georgians on Sunday as they look to end the side’s unbeaten run in their penultimate match.