Maldon lost their East Men's Hockey League division four south east unbeaten record at the hands of East London thirds.

ON a sunny morning, at the Mile End Stadium, they fell toa 2-1 defeat.

Maldon had been hoping to seal three points and the league title.

Maldon skipper Peter Holden said: “It was disappointing to lose our unbeaten record so close to the end of the season.

“We weren’t playing our best and we also weren’t getting the rub of the green.

“What was more worrying was the injuries to four influential players.

“But we are still leading the divison and with one game left we can still claim the title.

“We are not feeling the pressure at the moment but we will have to see on Saturday.

“We will prepare as normal, hopefully one or two of the players will be back from injury but we are also missing some through unavailability.”

Maldon play the final game of the season at home at the Wallace Binder Playing Field, Park Drive, at 1.30pm on Saturday against Upminster thirds.

A win will see Maldon crowned champions but Upminster will be fighting for survival.