HASLEMERE II 2, FAREHAM III 0

HAVING capitulated badly the week before – they lost 5-1 at Weymouth and spent five hours on the road – Haslemere 2nd XI bounced back with a workmanlike win against Fareham thirds.

The pitches were a ‘white out’ at lofty Woolmer Hill, but skipper Charlie Millsom was able to switch the venue for this Hampshire 1 fixture to lower-lying Bohunt School at Liphook.

Fareham, with some of their fixtures called off, were able to bring a strong side, but Haslemere’s 15-man squad were equal to the challenge.

The back four were solid, with Tom Gee and Charlie Gregory transferring the ball skilfully and creating gaps for the midfield duo of Olly Bamber and Ali McGregor to exploit.

The important first goal was not memorable – a poacher’s finish by Matt Hemming from close range – but Haslemere thoroughly deserved the lead.

They continued to dominate possession, even when temporarily reduced to ten men. The replacements rolled on and off, with Jacob Hall and Will Hams bringing extra energy to the attack and Stuart Fry blitzing his trademark slaps from left-back.

The Fareham keeper made save after save, though, and only that one goal separated the sides at half-time.

Fareham came out with renewed energy, winning some penalty corners.

Eventually, Haslemere moved clear with a candidate for goal of the season. With the back four tempting Fareham higher and higher up the pitch, the ball then travelled from left to right before reaching the tireless Ed Easton who beat his man and and laid a goal on a plate for Jacob.

A massive three points for Haslemere who voted Charlie Gregory as their man of the match.