WINCHESTER 1, HASLEMERE 4

THIS convincing win closed the gap on Hampshire League leaders Aldershot & Farnham to six points – and Haslemere still have a game in hand.

From the first whistle, the visitors pressured the Winchester defence, with Alice Toynton, Lucy Brownrigg, Heidi Wells and Alex Hardy linking up in some fine attacking moves.

The city side played decent hockey, but the Haslemere defenders were unflappable and linked up nicely with the midfield.

Eventually, Winchester cracked under pressure and goals from Wells and Toynton gave Haslemere a healthy lead at half-time.

Winchester came out fighting for the second half and created more chances, but Eleanor Abrahams marshalled her defence with precise calls and the home team could find no way through to goal.

More good work from Wells and Toynton set up Donna Reed to score Haslemere’s third goal and Alex Hardy showed impressive skills to add the fourth.

Only then did Haslemere lose their shape momentarily, resulting in a short corner and a consolation goal for Winchester.

Haslemere Player of the Match: Celia Hall.