A thrilling night of quality hockey saw Wimbledon triumph 3-2 in the derby clash at Surbiton.

The hosts were aiming to get more than 1,000 attending for the 6pm push back, and despite the ugly weather, the venue was packed.

Wimbledon threatened early, but then the MHL Premier Division leaders surged forward and launched a series of attacks, including a short corner, which were repelled by some staunch Dons defending.

Slowly the situation changed and it was Wimbledon who were enjoying the better of the exchanges and Surbiton had some narrow escapes.

It was therefore no surprise when the Dons took the lead on 32 minutes, when Caspar Phijffer took the ball across the front edge of the D before rifling a shot into the corner.

Wimbledon started the second half on top, but it was Surbiton who equalised on 40 minutes through Mike Forsyth and following a fine passing move down the right.

Wimbledon, however, retained their composure and on 49 minutes, Stephen Ebbers went on a stunning dribble passed four defenders before being upended in the D.

James Jewell swept the subsequent short corner inside the far post.

Surbiton seem to lose concentration and three minutes later, a great pass into the D from Alastair Brogdon saw Phil Ball turn and shoot into the far corner.

At 3-1 down, Surbiton needed to attack, but were cruelly exposed at the back and Wimbledon could easily have had another three goals with breakaways foiled by some desperate defending.

Wimbledon were looking comfortable until the 68th minute when they conceded a short corner and Andrew Hayward scored making the last minutes fraught. 

However, from a last gasp Surbiton short corner, Wimbledon came away with the ball and the points.