MALDON Hockey Club's men's first team saw the East League division four south east title slip through their grasp.

Maldon entertained Upminster 3rds knowing that a win would see them seal promotion as champions, a draw would likely see them promoted in second place, depending on other results, and a loss could see them fail to achieve promotion completely.

The home side were held to a 2-2 draw by the visitors.

The result ended up being enough to see Maldon promoted from second place but this was still a bitter pill to swallow, having been seven points clear at the top of the table only a few weeks previously.

Due to Brentwood defeating Witham, they ended up league champions and will be joining Maldon in division three south east next season.