ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 3, HAVANT III 0
The A&F forward line had failed to click in the scoreless stalemate at Hamble. This week, they moved smoothly through the attacking gears to record a convincing win.
Havant were wary opponents and sat deep from the off, giving the A&F defence time and space to play the ball around. The visitors were well-organised, though, and A&F were unable to directly threaten at first.
The pressure on Havant started to tell, with Kevin McCafferty working hard in a compressed midfield and the forwards beginning to force errors.
McCafferty benefited from one of these, picking up a loose ball and quickly feeding Marc Hinton who was bundled over, giving A&F a short corner.
The speed of Jamie Weston’s injection was exceeded by Hinton’s drag-flick and Aldershot were in front.
The deadlock broken, the home side played more relaxed hockey. Chris Edwards’ athleticism on the right caused problems for Havant and he combined nicely with Max Heaphy.
Joe Whelan, on the left flank, was not to be outdone and a tricky ball into the area found a defensive foot. yielding a second short corner.
Weston and Hinton combined again and although the keeper smothered the effort, Ian Metcalfe used his frame to crowbar an opening and squeeze the ball over the line.
Havant were not happy with a two-goal deficit at the break and, on the restart, bombarded the A&F defence with aerial balls, looking for scraps for their forwards to feed on.
The Farnham back line is the measliest in the league – just three goals conceded – and were up for the challenge.
The second half was a competitive affair as Havant sought to find a way back. Whelan finally shut the door on a possible comeback. The ball was powered into the box and ricocheted off a defender at Whelan who managed to control it at chest-height before deftly rounding the keeper and dropping it into the open net.
A&F, still undefeated, closed out the game to open a two-point lead over promoted Bournemouth II who are also unbeaten.