HASLEMERE II 4, SOUTHAMPTON II 1

KNOWING that a win against second-placed Southampton II would clinch the Hampshire 2 title, Haslemere twos did not disappoint and gave their supporters four of the best team goals scored this season.

Southampton didn’t make it easy for the leaders who found themselves behind after 15 minutes. Jamie Cashman made an excellent initial save at a short corner, but could do nothing about the follow-up shot.

The Blues heeded captain Charlie Millsom’s demand for a quick response and veteran Jason Moore began to link up nicely with young Alfie Dennis, while Will Hams combined driving runs forward with chasing back to help out in defence.

Millsom it was who equalised with a delicate dink over the centre-back and then a deft shot over the charging keeper.

Haslemere were in the driving seat and although Southampton made it to half-time still level, the home side moved up the gears with some impressive team-work.

A string of short corners resulted. Elliott Hall fluffed his chance down the middle, but Southampton only managed to clear the ball as far as Ali McGregor who roofed his shot.

The third goal came from more slick team play, the move being smartly finished off by Hams.

Southampton had a chance to pull one back after a suicidal pass across the face of goal, but Cashman cleaned up beautifully.

Haslemere stayed patient, passed the ball around handsomely, and the final goal came as Moore, Dennis and Ed Easton worked the ball to Mikey de Mello who skilfully took it past the keeper before slotting into an open net.

The final whistle blew and the champagne flowed. Haslemere 2nd XI will be back in Hampshire 1 next season.

Haslemere II: Cashman, Putnam, Hediker, Stote, McGregor, Easton, Moore, Hams, de Mello, Dennis, Thomas, Millsom, Hemming, Hall.