HAVANT II 2, HASLEMERE 4

HASLEMERE put two bad defeats behind them with this notable victory against second-placed Havant II in the Hants/Surrey Regional 1.

The Blues had Nic Cope back for the last match before Christmas and the top scorer showed his value to the team with a hat-trick.

Coach Rob Dilworth moved players around with a view to changing the balance of Haslemere’s play and the visitors quickly took the initiative. The Havant keeper made a fantastic cross-goal save when a mis-hit cross found its way to skipper Barney Green on the far post.

Ten minutes into the game, a through-pass from Rob Grech deflected up off a defender’s stick and looped past the goalkeeper before Cope, at full stretch, converted from a tight angle. Haslemere in front.

Shortly before half-time, Haslemere won a short corner after some smart link-up play between Hugo Chandler and Graham Stopher. Cope’s drag-flick was blocked by a defender’s body and a penalty flick was awarded, which Cope coolly converted.

The Blues were thus two goals to the good at the turn-round, but knew they had to work hard both on and off the ball to control possession and ensure the win.

Havant came out strongly and the defensive trio of Dilworth, Chris Fox and keeper Nick Bull looked solid. It took a good piece of skill for Havant to win a short corner and after a fine initial save by Bull, Ed Evans slotted home from the rebound.

Haslemere resumed on the attack, determined not to let another lead slip away. With Grech, Campbell Hancock and Grant Roberts combining well in midfield, Green drove into the D and his reverse-stick shot came back off the crossbar and fell nicely for Cope to complete his treble.

Havant remained a threat with slick counter-attacking hockey and Haslemere had to absorb a lot of pressure, with Ali Gloak and Alec Morgan battling away both in defence and attack.

However, the home team pulled it back to 3-2, thanks to another piece of individual skill from Evans whose instant shot was too good for Bull.

But Haslemere did not panic and continued to play positive hockey, as well as keeping their discipline.

With 10 minutes to go, the Blues secured the win following some prolonged possession. Starting from the back, Fox and Roberts linked up in a fluid one-touch move and a deft pass from Green left Grech to fire home for the fourth goal.