Surrey Division Two

Purley Walcountians II 0 Sanderstead 4

DOM Knolles scored a brace to give Sanderstead plenty of Christmas cheer as they take a 10-point lead into the mid-season break.

In a one-sided first half, Sanderstead were soon two goals ahead. Knolles reacted quickest to a breakdown in front of goal to slip the ball past the Purley goalkeeper and minutes later Denzil Dolley slotted home to double the lead.

Dolley turned provider for Knolles' second, firing in a cross which just evaded winger Richard Bruce but not Knolles who made sure from close range.

While the hosts offered more of a challenge in the second half, drawing a couple of decent saves from Sanderstead's number-one Dan Pacitti, the outcome was never in doubt.

With a tight defence, effectively marshalled by Mark Bryan, Sanderstead recorded their fourth clean sheet of the campaign.

With only 10 men on the pitch for the final minutes, Sanderstead still managed to nick another goal. Tidy build-up play from Alex Vernon and an accurate assist from Chris O'Hagan left Martyn Avery with the simple job of a tap-in from five yards. The skipper had earned a goal having worked tirelessly in defence and attack throughout the encounter.

"Closing the first half of the season with a 100 per cent record gives us every chance of fulfilling our ambition of promotion," said Avery.

"We'll be fighting just as hard in the new year to make sure we achieve our objective and to prepare ourselves for a higher level of hockey."

The club welcomes new players of all abilities. Contact Martyn Avery on 07968 973305 or visit www.sandersteadhockey.com for more information.