Maidstone men’s 1sts gained a crucial three points at Tulse Hill & Dulwich on Saturday to move above their opponents in South Hockey Premier Division 1.

The 4-3 victory pushed Maidstone level on points with Tulse Hill but a better goal difference means the County Town side move up to third from bottom in the table, above their rivals.

During a bright opening for the visitors, Chris Bassano-Harper took his tally to 11 for the season with two goals in the first 15 minutes.

He opened the scoring with a penalty stroke and made it 2-0 with a fine shot from the top of the D.

After 25 minutes, Maidstone confirmed their superiority with an excellent team goal. Will Hutchings set up Tim Price who slipped the ball past the keeper for Greg Laurenson to tap home.

Tulse Hill got back into the game with a goal just before half-time and four minutes after the break, made it 3-2.

Maidstone were quick to respond with a goal of their own. Quick thinking from John Cooper saw him square the ball to player-coach Kevin Johnson who made it 4-2.

Tulse Hill capitalised on a collision between two Maidstone defenders to make it 4-3 but the visitors held on for the victory.

Maidstone take on Oxford University at Armstrong Road on Saturday in the final game before the winter break.