The burden of having to play two home games in two days caught up with Brighton and Hove on Sunday as they slipped to a narrow defeat against an obdurate Southgate side who took advantage of only having to concentrate on one match at the weekend in the national league Conference East.

After their edgy 2-1 win over City of Peterborough on Saturday at Blatchington, England Hockey forced Brighton back into action less than 24 hours later and, with two regulars away skiing, they had to change their high pressing tactics against a fresh Southgate side with the best defensive record in the league.

A goal in each half from Robbert Schenk - taking his total into double figures for the season - had proved enough for Brighton to win a scrappy affair against struggling Peterborough on Saturday, the match finishing with a flurry of yellow cards.

But Brighton struggled to break down Southgate the next day, failing to capitalise on the chances they did create and the match was decided when John Sterlini fired in a rising penalty corner ten minutes into the second half which keeper Chris Borsoi got a firm hand to but couldn't prevent the ball from going into the net.

Joe Naughalty kept the Southgate back line on their toes and he came closest for Brighton late in the first half when cleverly making space for himself in a crowded circle. But have wrong footed the keeper he fired his shot narrowly wide.

Brighton remain fifth in the table and very much in the mix for the top six place which would secure their status in the new two conference structure next season. They play at Cambridge City on Sunday at 1.30pm.

Second placed Oxted scored four goals in the last 15 minutes to see off Teddington while improving Old Loughtonians came from two goals down to beat Cambridge City 5-2. An early goal was enough for Canterbury to win at City of Peterborough and runaway leaders Old Georgians racked up 14 goals in two thumping weekend victories.

Brighton 2s went down 3-0 at Maidstone 1s to remain bottom of the Kent/Sussex Regional League and in danger of being cut adrift.

The 3s skipper Andrew Bromley was pleased with a 1-1 draw at home to Horsham 2s in Sussex League division one.

"Another tough selection week with skiing, school holidays and a Saturday first XI fixture to contend with," says Andrew. "With a last-minute withdrawal due to sickness, the 3s were left with 10.5 players (Ed Bending nursing his jaw after wisdom teeth withdrawal!)

"In a stroke of luck, Harley Harden's brother Zack was on the sideline and agreed to play upfront for us (despite not having played for five years!) We provided him with kit and got the game started. Horsham may have been in a similar situation to us as it was a very cagey affair. Neither team pressed too aggressively and, as such, turnover of possession was generally due to a misplaced pass/mistrap etc.

"Brighton managed to string several attacks together but unfortunately first blood went to Horsham; a drag flick almost saved by Andy Hehir. Again Brighton strung attacks together, including a one-on-one for new boy Zack - the ball unfortunately ended up in the stratosphere!

"Eventually the pressure told and Richard Willmott scored another good quality drag-push to tie the scores. The final 10 minutes were relatively eventful and given the circumstances, we were happy with a draw."

With several first choice players missing, the 4s faced a challenging trip to league leaders Crawley 1s and came away with credit despite being on the wrong end of a 5-3 scoreline

Captain Carlo Missdirian reports: "A solid defensive start from us but the attacking power of Crawley soon began to show. They were 3-0 up by half time and although we created a few chances it did feel like it was going to be an afternoon of damage limitation.

"As Crawley scored after a poor defensive mistake just after half time it seemed even more ominous but this seemed to spur the lads on. Crawley also seemed to be becoming frustrated and wanted to keep the pressure high on Eastbourne 2s with goal difference and became increasingly more vocal with the umpires. When Gaëtan scored, one of their forwards lost the plot and seemed to be communicating in fluent French and was shown a green card.

"At this point C, Kev and Gaz quickly bought first-class tickets on the banter bus and two yellow cards for Crawley and another goal for the flying Frenchman saw a dominant Crawley in full implosion mode. They scored a fifth which secured a win but we scored our third.

"An excellent second half by the lads and we nearly secured a point which would have been an outstanding result, but we played with smiles on our faces and gave the league leaders a real run for their money.

"MoM - Paul Harvey, outstanding defensive play. DoD - anyone on the Crawley front line who upset baby face Kev."

In division two, the 5s got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over St Francis 1s but the 6s went down to the only goal at Middleton 2s in division three in a tight contest.

“Despite Brighton creating several good chances, we fell behind to a soft PC goal in the last five minutes and missed a good opportunity for a much needed win,” reports Myles Ford.

The 7s enjoyed a 4-0 home win over Chichester 5s in division four while the 8s were awarded a 3-0 win over Southwick 3s after the home side were unable to raise a side.