Wimbledon had to come from behind to take the MHL Premier Division points off Brooklands MU after a 3-2 win on Sunday. 

Ironically, after a delayed start due to the late arrival of the north of England team, it was Brooklands who came out of the blocks with the more positive hockey.

On the other hand, a number of Wimbledon players looked nervous or were trying too hard.

Some of the team were not doing the simple things and were guilty of over elaboration, poor first touch and woeful passing. Nevertheless, they did have two gold plated chances that were scrambled away.

However it was not a surprise when B&MU won a short corner in the 26th minute which was duly converted.

Form the restart, Wimbledon surged forward, lost the ball following yet another mazy forward run and on the break, a Wimbledon defender decided to dribble under pressure, was dispossessed and ultimately gave away a penalty stroke - 28 minutes and 2-0 down, and so it remained until the interval.

The half time team talk must have been inspirational because it was a different Wimbledon that came out for the second half and dominated.

There was relief on 46 minutes when Tejinder Hanspal had his stick taken as he was about to put the ball in the net and Phil Roper scored the penalty stroke.

That seemed to inspire Roper and within seconds of the restart his surging run set up the best move of the game and the ball was expertly crossed for Johnnie Kinder to score from close range.

Wimbledon were on top and Phil Ball made it three on 54 minutes, again from close range and following a goal mouth scrimmage.

B&MU were not finished and had short corners that were wide or saved and at the other end, Wimbledon should have added to their lead.

It was not to be and for Wimbledon there was a mixture of elation and relief when the final whistle sounded.

 

The win means that Wimbledon are now fourth in the table, and next week they go to league leaders East Grinstead.

Team: Bailey(GK), Woods, Weir, Osborn, Marsden, Hawes (capt), Hoare, Cerulus, Ball, Brogdon, Roper, Sloan, Hanspal, Ebbers, Farrant, Spencer.