Men's 1's draw away at Bourne Deeping

Havering started their first campaign in East division one for over a decade after back to back relegations from Premier A. The aim for the season is a simple one to start the long road back to the top league in the East.

First up was the long trip to Bourne Deeping and with five players unavailable it was always going to be a tough ask to come away with all three points.

Havering started the match on the front foot and created some early chances with Gaz Ingram testing the home goalkeeper. It was not long until Ingram opened his account for the season converting the first penalty corner of the match.

Bourne responded well and kept some well worked posession of the ball and won a penalty corner of their own, Nik Males made a good first save and Harry Andrews reacted quickest to clear the ball to safety.

At this point Havering were struggling to hold onto the ball but looked dangerous on the break, Stuart Garnell raced clear but was thwarted by the Bourne Keeper. Again Garnell was set free, this time a tracking defender and the keeper bundled him over as he was about to shoot but only a penalty corner was given. Ingram stepped up and made it 2-0 from another well executed flick.

A few more chances came and went for Havering most notably Ingram rolled the ball along the goal line to Ollie Cipa but the forward was inches away from sending the ball into the empty net.

As half time approached Havering attempted to consolidate but a defensive error allowed Bourne into the D where a weak shot beat the unsighted Males.

Half time 1 - 2.

With the goal seconds before the half time whistle Bourne opened the second half a rejuvinated side and kept the lions share of posession. Havering struggled to move the ball around the pitch which had been a feature of a successful pre-season and were punished when another defensive error allowed Bourne to counter attack and work the ball to the back post for the easiest of taps ins, all be it with the help of a shin pad but it was no less than they deserved for a fully committed and hard working display.

As the game entered the final stages Havering struggled to match the work rate of the home side and were limited to a few half chances. A handful of penalty corners were won but a poor injections hampered any hope of edging back in front.

Bourne had a chance to take all three points in the closing minute but a reverse stick effort agonizingly found the side netting.

All in all a disappointing first outing of the season and proof if it was not needed before that we will need to be at our very beat to be a contender in this league. On another day the game could have been wrapped up at half time but failing to convert our chances will cost us dear in what is sure to be a competitive league. Having said that this may well be a solid point away from home which will make a difference at the end of the season.

Havering entertain St Ives at Campion @ 13.00 on saturday. Onwards and upwards from here.