It may not have turned out the right way, but Wimbledon’s 5-3 defeat at home to Holcombe was, in head coach Ben Marsden’s eyes, one of the best games he has ever seen.

Goals from Pieter Wiegman, Richard Dawson-Smith and Phil Roper were not enough and left the MHL Premier Division defending champions looking for their first win of the season.

That could come this weekend when they host bottom club East Grinstead on Saturday at Kings College School (6pm start).

Despite going into the game on the back of conceding five to newly promoted Holcombe, Marsden remains in upbeat mood.

“It was one of the best domestic games I have seen in a long time, it was very fast and a great spectacle,” he said.

“Credit to Holcombe, they were very good on the day. We were disappointed with the result, but not too upset because we’re looking sharp and we cannot see anything we’re doing that is too wrong.”

He added: “I can see, if they maintain those levels, that Holcombe will be up there come the end of the season.

“It will be interesting to see how their second tier copes when the international players are away.

“Either way, we’re already looking forward to playing them at their place.”

Wimbledon welcome back Steven Ebbers this weekend, and despite East Grinstead’s miserable start to the season, Marsden remains wary.

He said: “They have a great heritage and tradition, and there are always going to be upsets in the league so we will have to make sure we prepare right.”