WALTHAM Forest men’s hockey team put themselves in prime position for a promotion push in the new year after inflicting a first defeat of the season on table-toppers Old Southendians.

Forest came from behind twice to put five goals past the visitors. After falling behind, they drew level through Luce Da Silva. Oli Eaton then won a penalty flick, which Matt Tanswell duly converted.

Old Southendians came out fighting and turned the game on its head with two quick strikes. But Cillie Truter’s goal from a short corner, followed by another Tanswell goal and a second for Da Silva, wrapped up the points.

Elsewhere, the women’s team salvaged a point at Folkestone. Katherine Abbie had a goal ruled out in the first half for Forest, and the hosts capitalised, scoring just before half-time.

But Forest hit back and it was Philippa Leguen de Lacroix who put the finishing touches to an excellent team move, involving skipper Emma Roscoe and Am Perry to rescue a draw.