The splendid 5-1 success against second-bottom Gillingham Anchorians on Saturday keeps Saxons in the top half of the South Hockey League Kent/Sussex - Regional 2 table. With a reduced squad of 12, thanks to injuries to Jamie Busbridge and George Eldridge, Saxons set out to control the game. The midfield trio of Jon Meredith, Paddy Cornish and Andy Acott were in fine form as they looked to hit the home side early on. Alex Coombs found space on the left after a good passing move and man of the match Beal finished at the far post to open the scoring. Anchorians then regrouped, and despite some excellent interceptions from Toby Reed and Gavin Cload, their direct style of hockey looked threatening. Gillingham’s pressure told as they levelled the scores, but the same combination from the first goal put Saxons back in front before Beal completed a first half hat-trick after another Coombs run. The discussion at half time was to go out and push for the next goal, and amazingly it was Coombs setting up Beal yet again after being found by an incisive pass from Acott. Chris Meredith was becoming an increasing influence on the game from left-back and his pass found Cornish, who broke into the D before unselfishly playing the ball across for Coombs to grab a well-deserved goal. Saxons will contest their penultimate home game of the season this coming Saturday when second-placed Sutton Valence provide the opposition at Horntye Park. Push-back is 1.30pm. See our comprehensive sports coverage in the Observer every Friday. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1 Make this website your homepage 2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex 3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex 4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!