HOCKEY: Brentwood men travelled away to Southend and secured a thrilling 4-3 win to move up to second in the table.

Southend came out in full force, placing Brentwood under immense pressure for the first 15 minutes of the game.

Brentwood struggled to gain control with sloppy passing and always being second to the ball.

A quick attacking break led to a short corner and a well-worked routine saw Paul Haynes home.

By half-time Brentwood were leading 2-0 after a penalty flick was calmly converted by Ian Forbes.

Southend quickly bounced back with a goal minutes into the second half thanks to a quick break and some poor Brentwood defending.

The game was messy from start to finish with both teams battling to gain control.

Forbes converted another flick and Southend were quick to reply with another goal.

The true test for Brentwood came when goalkeeper Ian Malone was sent off for ten minutes.

With an empty goal to defend, Southend failed to make a single D penetration due to Brentwood upping their game and taking complete control. A further goal was scored by vice-captain James Duggan before Southend got a late consolation.