Waltham Forest’s men’s hockey team were beaten 5-4 by rock-bottom Bishop’s Stortford with the last hit of the game.

Some suspect defending ultimately cost Forest, who staged a gutsy comeback in the second half only to be denied a point at the death.

Forest started the game well but despite their fluid possession, they struggled to cope with Stortford’s direct style and found themselves 3-0 down.

Ed Jackson gave Forest a lifeline but Stortford regained their three-goal cushion soon after and raced into a 4-1 lead.

Goals from Nico Kurt, Liam Radley and another for Jackson completed a fine fight back to bring the scores level but Forest undid all their hard work late on, conceding from a last-gasp Stortford short corner.

The ladies first team were held to a goalless draw by second-placed Brentford in a nervy encounter.

Sitting at the summit of the league table, Forest preserved their unbeaten record in their toughest encounter of the season so far.

Forest began the game in impressive fashion with their best chance coming from Sam Fish, whose deflected effort cannoned off the woodwork.

Brentford asserted pressure later in the first half but were unable to convert their possession into goals.

Forest increased their dominance after the break and Lucy Butcher was denied a winner when her effort was disallowed for being too high.