TROJANS II 3, HASLEMERE II 2

FIVE games now without a win for Haslemere twos, but they remain upbeat, confident that their positive play will eventually yield results.

Their self-belief was tested when Trojans scored after 40 seconds and later followed up with a breakaway goal to lead 2-0.

Haslemere had played some good hockey, though, and after avoiding further punishment before the interval, were ready to fight back in the second half.

Will Hams, clean through on goal, was brought down by a lumbering defender, but the outcome was merely a green card and a short corner. Moments later, Hams again weaved his way through a statuesque defence and this time scooped the ball into the roof of the net.

A strong squad allowed Haslemere a continual rotation and the impetus resulted in an equaliser as skipper Charlie Millsom, with his back to goal, spun round to slide the ball under the keeper.

Two-two and Haslemere, playing with a swagger, had the scent of victory, only to be left crushed by a goal against the run of play. A shot from the top of the D was well blocked by Jamie Cashman, but the ball fell fortuitously and was dispatched from the tightest of angles.

Ten minutes to go and Haslemere thought they had saved themselves when a Matt Putnam volley was blocked on the line. A penalty flick was awarded, but the decision was then reversed. When you’re near the bottom ...

Haslemere II: Cashman, Gloak, Gregory, McGregor, Gee, Bamber, Head, Putnam, Thomas, Hams, Millsom, Easton, Worrall, A Dennis.