Men’s 3s vs Haslemere

Portsmouth 3s looked to continue winning ways at home against Haslemere and immediately started well with early pressure applied to the visitors resulting in several opportunities to test Haslemere’s defence. Portsmouth were soon rewarded with a goal neatly tucked away by Ivan Boswell after 6 minutes.

1-0 Portsmouth.

Haslemere looked to return the favour, taking advantage of Alex Williams aerial attempts unable to pass over the Haslemere press. Fortunately Portsmouth were able to break down and weather the attacks to keep the lead going into half time.

A quick halftime regroup with Captain DJ and Ivan looked to get Portsmouth switched on again and ensure the win.

But Portsmouth still had much to do and a drop in of energy and switched off heads, highlighted by a hospital pass from DoD Alex Love to the top of the D saw Haslemere pounce to try and snatch a goal.

Thankfully Man of the match Jez was able to clean up within the packed D and Ed looked to maintain his clean sheet with some choice saves.

Disasters averted, Portsmouth regathered and looked to play some decent hockey, pushing Haslemere back to their 25. They were soon rewarded, with Alex Williams high on the right, able to leather the ball to a waiting Charlie Brazier in the D, whose connecting first time swing left the keeper without a chance to stop the ball hitting the backboard.

2-0 Portsmouth.

Keeping the momentum, Portsmouth continued having opportunities to extend the lead, furthered by a Haslemere player receiving a card for some heinous last ditch swinging tackles against a breaking away Alfie. Earning the visitor a trip to the naughty step for hopefully some introspection as time ticked down.

Unfortunately Portsmouth weren’t able to get anything further, with Haslemere keeping Portsmouth from converting their final attempts at goal. However, Portsmouth were happy to run down the clock until the final whistle.

Full time; 2-0 Portsmouth.

Portsmouth now sit close to the top of the table and look to take their winning brand of hockey on the road for the next month. With next week’s trip seeing the 3s in Southampton to provide the students an education.