LONDON ACADEMICALS 4, HASLEMERE 1

HASLEMERE remain top of Hants/Surrey 2, despite losing their unbeaten record.

The Blues might have suffered psychological damage after this 4-1 thumping at the hands of London Academicals and it will be interesting to see how the leaders respond when they host second-placed Sunbury this weekend.

Haslemere came flying out of the blocks and at first promised to resume their prolific goal-scoring as they forced several saves from the Academicals keeper.

But it was the home team who took the lead against the run of play as the dangerous Eb Mukhtar converted neatly from a short corner.

Haslemere stuck to their attacking policy and the strategy paid dividends. Graham Stopher latched onto a cross to hit the ball unchallenged into the goal.

James Bennett and Tristan Conoley both went close as Haslemere kept up the pressure. Barney Green was marshalling the defence, Grant Roberts creating opportunities in midfield and Andy Powell threatened on the wing with his extra pace.

The Blues continually turned the ball over in midfield and attacked with strength and purpose.

Academicals, however, began to find their form, resulting in a mistimed tackle and a penalty flick which was dispatched by Mukhtar for his second goal.

The danger signs were there now as Haslemere saw numerous efforts either go wide or saved by the excellent home keeper.

The London side then used counter-attacks to devastating effect and goals from Ed James and Will Church put the game beyond the Blues.

Haslemere now prepare for the vital meeting with Subury at Woolmer Hill (start 2pm).