Hargreaves nets consolation goal for Mens 2's

In a very wet and windy Portsmouth the Mens 2's hosted Southampton 2's. After recent results, Portsmouth were looking to step up a gear and take the game to their rivals, who are sitting 3rd in the league.
The game started with Portsmouth defending facing the rain. Both teams started off by playing some good hockey, moving the ball well considering the weather, which led to Alex Williams and Jon Farmer resorting to long passes or aerials to avoid the oncoming pressure from Southampton.
Eventually, the pressure took its toll on the Portsmouth defence and Southampton took the lead. Portsmouth did create their own chances in the opening exchanges with some good play in midfield, linking up with the 3 attackers. Eventually, Portsmouth were rewarded with a short corner from some individual play by Dan Brettell. Unfortunately, Portsmouth couldn't convert the chances and were punished by another break in play by Southampton, who made it 0-2 at half time.
The second half started in a similar fashion, Southampton moving the Portsmouth back line around, but, this time the defence stood sturdy and some fantastic tackles from Jacob Jolliffe, Ben Hayward, Jon Farmer and Alex Williams, led to a rare Portsmouth counter attack which was led by Adam Nicholls. Adam moved through the Southampton midfield with ease before passing to Dan Brettell just outside the D, who took a touch before playing an incisive pass to the back post for an on rushing Dan Hargreaves sliding in for a tap in making it 1-2.
Portsmouth were back in the game and continued to apply the pressure on the Southampton defence and midfield, hoping to grab another. Portsmouth had a burst of energy, which could be seen from all over the pitch, even Jacob Jolliffe made a wonder run to the half way line from his own interception in the D. Jon Farmer continued to play a dangerous game with the umpires, with some strong tackles.
Once the pace slowed down, Southampton regained control and won a short corner, in which they converted making it 1-3. The Portsmouth defence continued to battle through the weather and the waves of Southampton attacks, but, towards the end of the game, the continuous attacks led to the final Southampton goal, making it 1-4 at the final whistle.
Man of the match was awarded to Dan Hargreaves for his consolation goal and hard work in the midfield.

PHC 1 - 4 Southampton