Mens 3 claim convincing away win against Basingstoke

Portsmouth were coming off the back of two defeats as they traveled to Chandler's Ford to play Basingstoke, but from the off it was the visitors who looked like the side full of confidence as they attacked with speed and purpose to put the hosts on the back foot early on.

Portsmouth made the early pressure count, when some slick passing play unlocked the Basingstoke defence, allowing Harrison Carkeek-Blakley to convert and put Portsmouth into a 1-0 lead.

Basingstoke pressured the Portsmouth defence as they tried to get back into the game, but excellent defending on both sides of the pitch from Tristen Barnes and Alex Love, limited the hosts chances.

Portsmouth extended their lead in the first half, with their second goal coming from a well taken reverse stick shot by Owen Barnes after he had created some space in the D, and was soon followed up by a third goal as Paul Barnes got in on the act with a flicked shot beating the Basingstoke keeper.

Basingstoke got back into the game before half time, when a fast counter attack through the middle caught Portsmouth flat footed, and gave the home side a sense of hope heading into the break.

Portsmouth continued their fast paced hockey, in the second half, but were unable to add to their tally. The best chances both fell to David Johns, the first effort was converted from a few yards, but then ruled out after the ball was judged to have gone out of play in the build up. The second effort came about five minutes later, but was somehow scooped over the bar from a couple of yards out, earning the midfielder a much deserved Dick of the Day award.

Basingstoke's hopes were raised as a loose ball was kicked into the Portsmouth goal by Tristan Barnes, however no goal was given after it was ruled that no attackers had got a touch on the ball in the D.

Portsmouth held on for a much deserved 3-1 win, with a fast flowing confident performance that showed a lot of promise for the season ahead.

Man of the match was awarded to goalscorer Owen Barnes.