TUNBRIDGE WELLS will go into the winter break at the top of South Premier League Division Two but they suffered a setback at Banbury in what was expected to be a hard-fought game.
Unlike in some recent matches they started brightly. Chris Pelmore launched an aerial to the top of the D, where it was controlled by Kyle Mathieson and he fired in to give Wells the lead.
They were unable to maintain their start, however, and Banbury soon equalised before taking the lead midway through the half.
Despite a couple of well-worked goals through Jack Garwood and Chris Smith, Banbury were well drilled and ran in three more goals of their own inflict Wells’ first defeat of the season.
A much-changed 1st XI fielding several youngsters succumbed 4-1 in the EH Championships on Sunday to Blackheath, the current cup holders.
Some well-worked penalty corners in the first period saw the visitors race to a 4-0 lead. Wells pull a goal back through Ben Allberry, but the damage had been done in the first period.
Wells are still four points ahead of their nearest rivals in the league but want to maintain a healthy lead going into the second half of the season.
They will look to bounce back to winning ways in their final league game before the break.
They entertain Guildford at Tonbridge School this Saturday (December 9, 11.30am start).Â
