Old Loughtonians men’s Firsts moved off the bottom of the NOW: Pensions Conference East by beating Richmond 1-0 on Sunday.

A sloppy start threatened to undermine Loughts, who gradually began to assume control of the match and were the better side against the high-flyers.

Rory Patterson marked his debut with the game’s only goal, but in truth Loughts’ margin of victory should have been far greater as they saw no fewer than four penalty corners go to waste.

Resolute defending from Ian Swallow and James Southgate helped Loughts see out the win which moves them off the foot of the table.

Old Loughtonians ladies’ Firsts remain second in the East Women’s League after they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller, winning 4-3 at Tunbridge Wells.

Miranda Weeks handed Loughts an early lead and a second followed when Sorcha Crowley followed up first after an initial save to tuck home a rebound.

After the breakthough, a soft goal from a corner brought the hosts back into the game and, sensing the visitors were on edge, Tunbridge struck again to draw level at 2-2.

Not to be put off, Loughts hit back quickly and retook the lead with a counter-attacking move finished off by Danni Haynes.

Another Tunbridge equaliser looked to have settled the game in a draw, but Loughts emerged triumphant when Crowley helped herself to a second from a tight angle.

Loughts face top-of-the-table West Herts at Luxborough Lane at the weekend.