Southgate suffered their first defeat of the Men’s Hockey League Division 1 South season as they went down 3-2 against Havant.

Manual Silvetti put Havant in front, but Alex Williams and Jack Middleton turned it around to put Southgate ahead. Matthew Cox’s penalty corner swiftly levelled things again, and Miguel Rodrigues restored Havant’s lead late on.

The hosts enjoyed much the better start and Southgate were indebted to goalkeeper Chris Rae for a number fine saves that kept the scores down in the opening quarter.

However, there was nothing Rae could do about the opener, as Silvetti put Havant ahead in the 29th minute.

Southgate sought to establish their usual pattern of play after the break and they levelled the game three minutes into the second half when Williams got on the end of Thads Rivett’s cross to deflect the ball home.

And, shortly after, the turnaround was complete when Middleton unleased a rocket from the top of the circle, leaving Maciej Pacanowksi with no chance in the Havant goal.

However, the lead lasted barely two minutes and Havant levelled the match once more as Cox fired in a penalty corner.

The game was still up for grabs going into the final quarter, and it was the home side that grabbed the winner when Rivett was dispossessed, and as Rae came out, the ball was squared for Rodrigues to net the winner.

Southgate went on the offensive late on to try and rescue a draw, but they were frustrated by a number of top stops from Pacanowski as Havant hung on to secure their first win and confine Southgate to their first defeat.