LONDON ACADEMICALS 4, HASLEMERE 3,

HASLEMERE’S tough run of Hants/Surrey Regional 1 fixtures continued and having lost in the last minutes against Basingstoke the week before, they squandered a winning position against London Academicals on Saturday.

The Blues led 3-1 at half-time, but Academicals, who had already chalked up wins over Wimborne and Fareham, fought back to steal the points by the odd goal in seven.

Both teams started at a controlled pace. The London side transferred the ball smoothly and asked questions of a well-drilled defence.

Yet the first opportunity fell to Haslemere, with Andy Powell missing narrowly at the back post.

Ten minutes into the game, Academicals took the lead from open play, Simon Coles striking the ball low against the backboard.

Haslemere soon regained their structure, but struggled to penetrate the opposing D. However, after some quick passing and movement in midfield by Grant Roberts, Elliott Hall and Tristan Conoley, Haslemere were only denied a goal by a goalkeeping foul and Graham Stopher converted the penalty flick at the second attempt.

Top scorer Nic Cope gave Haslemere the lead with a superb reverse-stick shot after seeing off several defenders.

Cope quickly added another well-worked goal from open play, giving the Blues a seemingly comortable lead at the break.

But it all went downhill for Barney Green’s team in the second half. Aggrieved players took issue with umpiring decisions and the resulting cards depleted the side at a key stage of the game.

Haslemere lost their shape and Academicals capitalised, levelling the game from two short corners, thanks to clinical finishing by Ali Francis.

More cards followed for the undisciplined visitors and their usually fluid game lost all momentum.

Holes were evident all through the Haslemere defence and Sam Hatherley was able to drive into the D and score Academicals’ winner with a cracking shot into the top corner.

Haslemere were on the end of stern words from coach Rob Dilworth and training is bound to be intense this week as the Blues look to secure their first win of the season this Saturday when they entertain Woking at Woolmer Hill.