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Reigate hold champions Sanderstead to a draw

After the elation of winning the league on the previous weekend, Sanderstead 1s made hard work of their 2-2 draw away against Reigate Priory 2s on Saturday.  They twice came from behind against a challenging opposition, in a game which featured some questionable decisions by the officials at key moments.

Reigate took the lead after winning what seemed to be a generous short corner, slotting home from the top of the circle.  Though frustrated, Sanderstead managed to keep their heads, and drew level through a short corner of their own, Mark Bryan sweeping home his eighth goal of the season.

Despite the best efforts of Sanderstead 'keeper Cameron Skinner, the hosts restored their advantage before half-time.  Skinner saved well from a tight-angle shot, but the ball rebounded to a Reigate stick and was nudged in from just a yard out.

Confident of getting a result, the Millers did not let up after the interval and they were rewarded when Mark Hunnisett's composed finish in a crowded 'D' brought the equaliser for Sanderstead.  The best chance of a winner fell to Martyn Avery, who collected the ball off the Reigate goalie's pads but flicked just over the bar.  At the other end, Skinner coped well with a strong Reigate attack and kept a laudable clean sheet in the second half.

Sanderstead's second team leapfrogged Barnes in Surrey Open League One by beating them 2-1.  Matt Harris set up the victory, putting his team ahead on the stroke of half time.  Greg Gilson twice went close, only to be denied by the Barnes goalkeeper's fine saves, before David Barkhausen doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a goal-line infringement.  Further stops from their 'keeper kept Barnes in contention, and they managed a late consolation goal.  But Sanderstead's work-rate - epitomised by the ever-energetic Ashley Cooke - ensured the points went to the Old Saw Mill team.

The third XI, meanwhile, earned a draw away against Old Cranleighans.  Two goals from Mark Mear saw Sanderstead take a 2-1 lead into the second half, but they faced unrelenting pressure and allowed the hosts to equalise.  Mear completed his hat-trick against the run of play, finishing well from the edge of the circle, before the OCs made it 3-3 to share the points.

Sanderstead's fourth team achieved one of the best results against the all-conquering Goan of any side in Open League Five this season.  Sound defending limited the league leaders to a single goal before the break, and the 3-0 final score was a dramatic improvement over the 8-0 loss when the sides last met.  Sanderstead will be hoping for a return to winning ways in their meeting with lower-placed Old Reigatians on Saturday.