Holcombe Ladies inflicted Surbiton’s first league defeat of the season, narrowing their lead at the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division to just three points.

In what was a close affair between the two sides the only goal of the game came in the 62nd minute when Candice Manuel found the net from open play.

Elsewhere, Beeston were victorious by a margin of 3-1 at bottom of the table Canterbury.

The game sparked to life in the second half with Kathryn Lane, Sophie McDowell and Rebekah Walker all getting on the scoresheet for the away team. Katie Williams scored the only goal for Canterbury.

Meanwhile, Sevenoaks were emphatic 8-1 winners over Ipswich in the Investec Women’s Conference East.

Investec Women’s Premier Division: Bowdon Hightown 1, East Grinstead 0; Buckingham 1, Slough 0; Canterbury 1, Beeston 3; Clifton Robinsons 4, University of Birmingham 2; Holcombe 1, Surbiton 0.

Investec Conference East: Bedford 1, Wimbledon 7; Cambridge City 2, Horsham 2; Harleston Magpies 1, St Albans 3; Hampstead & Westminster 5, Southgate 1; Sevenoaks 8, Ipswich 1.