Horsham put seven up to climb into second place

Hockey: South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Marlow. SR1605620 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160222-115640001

It gave skipper Duncan Howarth his best possible birthday present as Horsham climbed into second place in the table.

Elsewhere league leaders London Edwardians drew 1-1 with second place Tulse Hill – a result that saw Horsham climb the table on goal difference, with a game in hand.

Added to that was Jack Dean scoring four to take his goal tally to 20 for the season and go five goals clear in the league tables, it capped a superb day.

Hockey: South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Marlow. SR1605530 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160222-115514001

Dean opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Howarth was fouled in front of goal with three minutes on the clock.

He completed his hat-trick with two virtuoso field goals within 25 minutes to effectively seal the game by half-time.

His fourth, second-half, goal was a slick deflection from close in.

After the half-time break, Cirdec Atkinson netted a brace to take his season’s tally into double figures and Matt Hough also slotted from a short corner.

Hockey: South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Marlow. SR1605584 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160222-115601001

However whilst the forwards make the headlines, Horsham manager Al Campbell was quick to say it was an exceptional team performance

He said: “When our forwards run riot it’s because the defence and midfield give them a solid platform to attack.

“To keep a clean sheet against Marlow, who scored five against us in the away fixture, and who average two goals a game, shows just how well the engine room of the team is performing.

“As any manager knows, defence wins games, the attack simply decides the margin.’

Hockey: South Premier Division 2: Horsham v Marlow. SR1605589 Pic Steve Robards SUS-160222-115613001

Next Saturday, Horsham travel to Eastbourne, who need points to avoid relegation.

They are taking nothing for granted, they intend to remain unbeaten this half of the season.

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