HASLEMERE 2, SUNBURY & WALTON HAWKS 3

DESPITE a stirring second-half fightback, Haslemere contrived to lose to bottom side Sunbury & Walton Hawks at Woolmer Hill on Saturday.

Sunbury, without a win this season in Hants/Surrey 1, grabbed an early lead when Ed Holcroft, one of their promising youngsters, beat Nick Bull at his near post from a tight angle.

The Hawks held on grimly to their lead until the break and then doubled it early in the second half with a high shot from Matt Philpott.

Haslemere committed more men forward and a dramatic period ensued.

Nic Cope won a penalty flick in the 46th minute, but Andy Powell failed to convert. Almost immediately, Sunbury were awarded a flick of their own and Bull pulled off a good stop.

The Blues finally got on the scoresheet as Campbell Hancock finished off a neat move and, minutes later, Cope levelled the scores with a superb individual effort.

It seemed that Haslemere would escape with a draw, or even win it, but their hearts were broken in the final moments. Sunbury got in behind the home back line and a cool finish by Louis Wright snatched all three points for the Hawks.

Haslemere visit Reigate Priory, one point below the Blues in the league table, this Saturday.

After their good start to the season – they beat Basingstoke 4-0 on the opening day – Haslemere have drawn one match and lost two.