Epsom Hockey Club’s men drew 2-2 in a high-tempo derby clash with Reigate Priory in Surrey/Hants Division One on Saturday, writes James Midmer.

With Epsom having won 5-2 at Reigate earlier in the season, coach Immy Bhatti - a former Reigate player - warned that the visitors would arrive with revenge in mind.

The home side created the first pas when Wade Joubert’s pass over the Reigate defence found Mike Atkinson clean through, but his shot hit the side-netting.

However, it was Reigate who took the lead through James Chesterton’s penalty stroke after a fierce shot hit Ali Murrell on the shoulder.

With Reigate in the ascendancy, Epsom’s cause was not helped when skipper Rob Tong went off injured after an awkward fall.

However, just before half-time, vice-captain James Harris drove through some space in the middle before firing a shot that was going well wide until Russell Tebay turned it in from close range.

The second half was also keenly contested, with Reigate restoring their lead when a Reigate player scored from close range after keeper Colin Savage had instinctively saved.

But Epsom started to up their game and drew level again from a short corner when Paul Atkinson deflected home Mike Atkinson’s strike.

Epsom kept up the pressure in the closing stages, but Brett Hosken and Paul Atkinson both saw shots superbly saved.

Epsom remain second in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Winchester II.