East Grinstead are still looking for their first victory after Chelmsford came back from 2-1 down at the break to grab a 3-2 success in National League division one.

Despite the loss, manager John Murphy was pleased with the improvement his side showed following their 7-0 defeat against Lewes the previous weekend.

The nature of the performance lifts morale at a crucial time with East Grinstead away to similarly winless Indian Gymkhana this Sunday.

Murphy said: "I was very pleased with our performance.

"We played very well in the first half and during much of the second but near the end their experience began to tell."

He added: "I was pleased with the improvement and it must carry on next week. A big win is needed and we must produce it."

Despite missing key players Julian Mills and Dominic Male, Grinstead established a 2-1 half-time lead after coming back from Wayne Denne's tenth minute goal.

Grinstead's Stephen Maher won a penalty corner, converted by Jon Perriss to level the game, and Ian Pattison put the hosts ahead.

Miah equalised on 50 minutes for the visitors and the South African Denne grabbed the winner with six minutes left despite a series of fine saves by keeper Richard Harms.

EAST GRINSTEAD: Harms, Ogden, Perriss, Thomas, Smyth, Pattison, R. Payne, B. Payne, J. Payne, N. Turk, P. Turk, McNeill, Medcalf, Maher, Holland, King. MoM: Ian Pattison.

Both sides were guilty of defensive lapses as Lewes lost 4-3 at third-placed Brooklands.

Manager Peter Boyse said: "It was a very close and open game which could have gone either way.

"Last season we would probably have come out on top but things just do not seem to be running that way for us this year."

Brooklands had never beaten Lewes in any of their previous meetings so they were anxious to end that run and a hat-trick by Oliver Cooper plus a further strike by David Dowdall did just that.

It was doubly disappointing for Lewes who led 2-1 at half-time following goals by Alistair Boyse and Will Champness and also led 3-2 when Ed Cabay was left unmarked to score.

Lewes, with just two league wins so far this season, entertain Doncaster this Sunday.

It will be a match Lewes will be keen to win, especially as a draw against Doncaster on the final day of last season denied them promotion to the top flight of English hockey.

l CHICHESTER produced a solid defensive display but two goals from corners steered hosts Beckenham to a 2-0 win in the South Premier League.

Coach Andy Barnes said: "They did not have one shot from open play in the entire match.

"We are defending very well this season and the league position does not do us justice."

Chi play host to High Wycombe this weekend.

l HORSHAM women lost 1-0 in a scrappy friendly at Sunbury.