HASLEMERE II 4, PORTSMOUTH & S 2

HASLEMERE Hockey Club 2nd XI maintained their 100 per cent record, but they had to grind out victory in a tough match against Portsmouth & Southsea who were one of only three teams to beat them last season.

The Blues quickly asserted their dominance of possession with quick passing and hard running and created several chances before taking the lead.

Roaming defender Ali McGregor delivered the ball to centre-forward Will Bowes whose deflection brought a smart save from the keeper and skipper Charlie Millsom was there to finish off.

An excellent run by right-back Ali Gloak opened up space for Graham Stopher to slot into a gaping net and Haslemere took a healthy 2-0 lead into half-time.

Southsea, needing an early goal, pressed high on the restart and the normally solid Haslemere defence succumbed to the pressure as the visitors scored from the top of the D.

More alertness in the goalmouth earned Haslemere their third goal.

A mix-up in the middle of the D left Stopher with a clear chance. The Southsea keeper made another great save, deflecting the ball skyward, and Bowes was on hand to execute a deft finish into the bottom corner.

Haslemere’s short-corner routine had been a source of frustration all day. Whether it was good defensive work or a breakdown at crucial moments, Haslemere just could not convert.

Eventually, after another breakdown, the ball was sent goalwards and the Southsea defender could only stop the ball with his foot.

Stopher, having eyeballed the keeper, sent him the wrong way to put the result beyond doubt.

Southsea replied with a last-gasp second goal, but it was merely a consolation.