Old Loughtonians M2s demonstrated that they can beat anyone in the East Area premier league with another composed performance this time against league leaders Blueharts M1s. Since Christmas Loughts have won 5 of their 6 matches. What might have been had availability been better before Christmas and training not disrupted by the pitch replacements.

From the start Loughts showed why they belong in the top division. They were solid at the back with the experienced Ali Bray and Will Smith calmly thwarting Blueharts incursions down the middle. Will Jamieson made a number of inspired tackles at left back neatly picking the ball off the attackers and setting up counterattacks. Josh Beardwell on the other side closed down well and was strong down the wing.

Gabriel Inch and Harry Kempe controlled the centre of the midfield and found space to move the ball around and create attacking opportunities.

Captain Ollie Davies led by example tackling back and running forward in support of the forwards.

The breakthrough for Loughts came after 20 minutes when Jacob Jayaraj (having scored twice away at Cambridge South last week) opened the scoring with a well taken strike from a penalty corner. Loughts appeared to be in control for the rest of the half but William Lawyer equalised for Blueharts from a penalty corner just before half time. 1-1 half time.

The second half saw chances at both ends with Freddie Goddard (playing his first match for the club since making his international debut for England u18s) making some good saves and Smith clearing a shot off the line.

Inch restored Loughts' lead after 50 minutes with a good strike from another penalty corner. Ten minutes later Loughts scored a third following a good run down the wing by Harry Norris and cross in which was initially cleared by Ollie Patmore in the Blueharts goal straight to Kempe who hit a reverse shot which was parried out to Harry Moffat who drilled it home.

Blueharts were rewarded with a consolation goal with five minutes to play when Addison Scott scored from a well rehearsed penalty corner but Loughts held on for a well deserved three points.

Next week Loughts make the long trip to Harleston Magpies hoping for further success.