WINCHESTER III 1, HASLEMERE II 6

HASLEMERE 2nd XI, not to outdone, notched up a 6-1 victory of their own and share the lead in Hampshire 2 after three consecutive wins.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Haslemere were always careful not to take Winchester thirds lightly, remembering a tough game last season. With this perhaps in mind, the visitors at first failed to make an impact and their game lacked flow and patience as they strove to break down the city side.

However, rather against the run of play, Haslemere took the lead, smart work from Graham Stopher leading to another tap-in goal for Matt Hemming, his fourth in three games.

From this, Haslemere began to dominate, especially in midfield through the likes of Campbell, Worrell, Head and stalwart Jason Moore.

However, Winchester became the first team to score against Haslemere this season, albeit it was an own goal by Alastair Gloak. To their credit, the visitors did not allow their performance to drop and a stunning finish from skipper Charlie Millsom saw Haslemere take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Haslemere were determined to score early in the second half to halt any Winchester fightback in its track and Millsom was on hand again to latch onto a smart through-ball from Stopher and score with an assist from the woodwork.

Thereafter, Winchester had no answer to their opponents’ patient, skilful and fast-paced hockey.

Millson completed a superb hat-trick and further strikes from Worrell and Gloak (this time at the right end) made it six of the best .

Tommy Gee and Ali McGregor were excellent at the back, something which will only benefit Haslemere going forward.

Haslemere II: Cashman, Gee, Hediker, Gloak, Worrell, McGregor, Moore, Head, Campbell, Hams, Hemming, Millsom, Stopher.