HASLEMERE 2, EDWARDIANS II 2

A LATE equaliser denied Haslemere victory last Saturday and ended their 100 per cent record in Hants/Surrey Regional 2.

They remain four points clear at the top, but top-five side Edwardians showed that there is a long way to go in this tough division.

Gary Bouchers’s side had played some excellent hockey to lead 2-0 at half-time.

The first goal resulted from fast wing play down the right. Tristan Conoley, who had already shown flashes of brilliance, went past his man and his ball into the D found the late run of midfielder Andy Major who kept his composure in front of the keeper to slot home.

The second came on the stoke of half-time, this time after attacking play down the left that rewarded Haslemere with a short corner. Set-piece specialist James Bennett stepped up and hit a hard shot at the keeper who fumbled and allowed the ball through his legs.

This goal forced Edwardians to press higher up the pitch. Pressure was mounting and when a 50/50 decision went the London side’s way, they scored from the resulting short corner

Minutes later, the visitors were level after another short-corner. The routine initially broke down, but Edwardians were first to the loose ball and dispatched it into an unguarded net.

Frustration for Haslemere who were left to ponder what might have been. They will certainly now know they cannot afford to switch off after building a healthy lead.