Ashford Hockey Club men's first team suffered a cruel blow on Saturday when they lost 3-2 to runaway South Premier League Division 2 league leaders Wimbledon.

A sloppy opening 20 minutes cost Ashford

dear.

Their back line floundered under pressure and Wimbledon’s former Australian international striker Tristram Woodhouse helped himself to two goals.

The second half, however, saw a much improved Ashford performance, led by Andy Hill who was in impressive form on the left wing.

Wimbledon, however, scored again against the run of play, with the Aussie completing his hat-trick but Ashford then dominated the closing stages.

A mis-timed shot from Wimbledon sat up on the half volley for Keir Starley to launch a 60-yard clearance and Hill ran on to converted in style.

Hill then scored again in the dying seconds but it was too little, too late

and now Ashford must win their remaining three matches to be sure of survival.