Mel Clewlow reflected on her ‘sweet moment’ – striking the last second equaliser which denied Holcombe victory in the first Kent derby.

For all the talk of the Investec National Premier Division clash being ‘just another game,’ the frenzied celebrations after Clewlow despatched a penalty corner, controversially awarded as the hooter sounded, gave a glimpse of how much was at stake.

Holcombe had broken the deadlock six minutes after the break as Steph Elliot’s through-ball on the break sent GB international Nicola White through to open the scoring.

Former GB and England defender Clewlow said: “I don’t get too many goals and this has to rank right up there over the course of my career.

“The celebration and the devastation of the Holcombe players showed the amount of emotion and passion which went into the game.”

Comments attributed to Clewlow about Holcombe’s financially-backed progression through the divisions last year led to her being singled out by home fans on the night.

She said: “I expected some stick and I got some, although none of it was out of order.

“I was getting it before the last corner was taken so it was nice to have the final say.

“It was a sweet moment and, of course, I enjoyed celebrating and patting the Canterbury badge on my chest.”

She added: “Even though it was a local derby, there was a mutual respect from both teams and it was played in a sporting spirit.

“It was good for hockey in Kent. There were lots of people there, plenty had travelled from Canterbury but there were others from Sevenoaks, Maidstone and other clubs. Everyone wanted to be there.”

Canterbury coach Jen Wilson admitted to being satisfied with “a deserved” point.

She said: “At a key moment, her (Mel’s) experience was important. It was clear-cut who was going to get the ball.”

She added: “A draw was a fair reflection. Holcombe might feel they were robbed due to the timing of the goal but we were upping the pressure in the last 10 minutes and if the game went on for 80 minutes, we’d have gone on and won.”

Both teams – who began the day occupying the top-two positions following opening day wins – were overhauled at the top by Clifton, who beat Reading by a single goal.

Reading visit Polo Farm on Saturday, (5pm), for the first game on the club’s new water-based surface.

Wilson said: “It’s another big game against quality players but the pitch is ready to go and hopefully we will be too.”