Bordon Harlequins, still smarting from last week's defeat, were keyed up for this top-of-the-table clash and were immediately on the attack.
Several short corners resulted from the early pressure and skipper Mike Johnston was only inches away from giving Bordon the lead.
The Quins badly needed a goal to settle their nerves, but they still had to contend with a quick Havant front line and David Wilmont was forced to retire from the action when he was injured in one of the visitors' counter-attacks.
However, Havant cracked under the pressure of more short corners. Mike Johnston injected to Jaime Fowler who slipped it back to his skipper and the ball was despatched into the back of the net.
Havant came back with renewed determination after the break and now it was Harlequins on the defensive and conceding short corners.
But it was from a breakaway attack that Havant looked certain to equalise. 'Keeper Rick Davidson came to the rescue by forcing the centre-forward wide and allowing Michelle Grevatt to clear.
However, Havant redoubled their efforts and it paid off at yet another short corner, with the help of a kind deflection.
Both sides chased the game with frantic energy in the last few minutes and it was the home side who got the vital breakthrough.
It was a carbon-copy of the first goal as an unmarked Mike Johnston swept Fowler's pass into the net.
With two matches to play, second-placed Harlequins can yet snatch the title from Havant who have played one game more. The Quins have a much superior goal difference.
l Harlequins are always looking for new players. Training is on Mondays at the Mill Chase Astro (6 pm). Alternatively, contact Mike Johnston on 01420 477807 or 07787181620.