HASLEMERE II 2, GILLINGHAM 4

AFTER a below-par display at Southampton University the day before, Haslemere 2nd XI gave a stronger showing against Hampshire 1 leaders Gillingham on Sunday.

Elliott Hall and Campbell Hancock controlled Haslemere’s offensive play and the home side shook Gillingham by taking the lead, skipper Charlie Millsom putting the ball away after a smart build-up.

Haslemere continued to look strong until a wayward pass in defence gifted Gillingham the easiest of equalisers. The visitors then scored two further goals before half-time, both from short corners.

Haslemere were recharged for the second half, with Morgan and Gloak driving forward from their wing-back positions and Jacob Hall causing trouble around the Gillingham D.

After winning several short corners, Haslemere were rewarded with a goal from Elliott Hall and then launched wave after wave of attacks in pursuit of the equaliser.

But it was not to be and Gillingham secured victory with their third short- corner conversion.

With three league games remaining, Haslemere twos are well above the bottom three as they strive to hold their status in Hampshire Division One.

Southampton University, third in the table, beat Haslemere II 5-2 on Saturday.

Blues in danger of the drop

HASLEMERE 4, BARNES 5

HASLEMERE 1st XI slipped into the bottom two of the Hants/Surrey Regional 1 after losing to fellow strugglers Barnes in a nine-goal tussle at Woolmer Hill on Saturday.

Nic Cope and Chris Fox both scored twice in an eventful game, but Barnes left with all three points, thanks to strikes from Mark Crennan (2), Charlie McCartney and Danny Wills (2).

Haslemere, with four matches left to save themselves, are home to top-five side Epsom this Saturday. Haslemere 2nd XI are away to Southampton II.