Press Releases

Millers make it ten out of ten

Sanderstead 1st XI underlined their superiority in South League Surrey Division 2 on Saturday 5 December, strolling past Wanderers 4s to maintain their 100 per cent record in the league after 10 games.

A Denzil Dolley hat-trick was supplemented by goals for Richard Bruce and drag-flick specialist Emit Raja, and the Millers limited Wanderers to a single consolation strike, to make the final score 5-1.

The opener came after a well-timed tackle and crisp pass from right-back James Godden sent Dolley free on the wing, the Gryphon man cutting inside his marker and finishing cleanly.  Godden was involved in the build-up to the second too, again linking with Dolley who this time drew a foul, to give Raja a chance – duly taken – to double the lead.

With little in the way of opposition, Sanderstead went 3-0 ahead before half time, Dolley getting his brace after taking a pass from Mark Bryan.  The Wanderers’ midfield was beginning to function more effectively but play rarely reached the Millers’ circle, leaving Dan Pacitti untroubled in goal.

After the break Bruce bagged his goal at the back post, Dolley this time turning provider firing in a cross from the flank.  Sanderstead pressed on in search of more goals, creating a handful of chances.  Alex Vernon, in particular, seemed set to make the scoresheet, only to be denied by Wanderers’ desperate goal-line clearances.

The Millers found themselves exposed, however, and the opposition’s left winger was unmarked when the ball reached him on a counter-attack .  He slotted home to make it 4-1, but Dolley was soon back in scoring mode for Sanderstead, slipping home a cool shot before the goalkeeper had time to set himself.

Meanwhile Sanderstead’s 2nd XI notched up their fifth draw of the season, conceding a late goal to Reigate Priory and missing out on the full three points.  The result leaves them just out of touch of the league’s promotion contenders, as the first half of their campaign comes to an end. 

Paul Whitehead and Davin Mahi gave the Millers a 2-0 lead but the advantage was relinquished in the final 15 minutes, when the Millers first conceded a penalty flick then gave the ball away in a dangerous area.  Reigate capitalised on both chances, to spoil the hosts’ afternoon.

Elsewhere, the 3s had better luck, recording a useful 3-2 away win against Surrey Old Boys, but the 4th team suffered a reverse of the same scoreline in their clash with Old Reigatians.