HASLEMERE V 6, City of Portsmouth IV 3 (Hants 10). In?November, Haslemere’s New Development side had, at Portsmouth, overturned a 2-0 lead established by City within 20 minutes to win the game 3-2. In this return match at Woolmer Hill, City again led 2-0 – within 20 minutes!
A neat Tom Morley flick made it 1-2 at half-time and, inspired by Dhiren Patel, the New Developers pushed on to lead 3-2. Back came City to equalise, but thereafter Haslemere’s relentless pace and passing prevailed as they ran in three further goals to secure promotion in their first season.
As ever astutely managed by Ollie Green, every one of the New Developers, including Phil Coglin in goal, excelled against a spirited and sporting Portsmouth team.
The result of the match, well umpired by Pauline McBrown and Iain Lynch, was a tribute to the talent, team-work and tenacity of Haslemere who, with one game to play, are poised to go up as champions.
.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
Haslemere scorers: Lott, Mayson, McDonald (2), Morley, Ben Rodber.
Hants 10
P W D L Pts
Haslemere V 15 11 2 2 35
Romsey IV 14 9 3 2 30
Basingstoke V 14 8 2 4 26
*City of Ptsmth IV 16 8 2 6 23
Swanage & W II 14 7 1 6 22
*US Portsmouth II 13 6 2 5 17
Fleet & Ewshot IV 14 2 2 10 8
*Yateley V 14 3 2 9 8
Poole Dolphins 14 0 4 10 4
*Pts deducted