SOUTHAMPTON II 1, HASLEMERE II 1

HASLEMERE 2nd XI dropped their first points of the season in this competitive Hampshire 2 top-of-the-table clash at Southampton.

The first half was a story of Haslemere trying to break down a solid Southampton defence – the toughest back five the leaders have faced this season.

The visitors remained patient and the accurate passing that allowed the ball to be transferred quickly from back to front was impressive at times.

However, Southampton stayed solid and survived a couple of short corners as the sides remained deadlocked at half-time.

Haslemere came under more pressure in the second half as Southampton found a rhythm to their passing game. The Blues were lacking their usual finishing touch, especially at short corners.

Debutant James Evans provided the main threat for Haslemere throughout the game and it was he who finally made the breakthrough, finishing superbly from the top of the D.

At that vital stage, with Southampton raising the tempo, Haslemere lost their composure and discipline and the trio of Jason Moore, Alastair Gloak and Matt Hemming were banished to the sin-bin in quick succession for a variety of offences.

With Haslemere down to nine, Southampton equalised from a short corner and 1-1 was how it remained. Finally back to a full quota, Haslemere had little time to push for a winner.