Ingram double just enough for the men's 1's

Havering closed to within three points of league leaders Old Southendians with a narrow 2-1 victory at home to Colchester on Saturday. Havering welcomed back Adam lumbers and Mike Gilbert after their absence the previous week and were looking to make it three wins in a row.

Havering started the brighter of the two sides and nearly scored an early goal when Gaz Ingram fired the ball across the D to Harry Andrews who narrowly missed connecting with the ball just in front of the keeper. Continuing to push forward Havering were awarded their first penalty corner of the match but the visiting keeper made a good save from Ingram but from their next Ingram made no mistake beating the first runner and firing the ball into the bottom corner to give Havering the lead.

Sensing more goals Havering continued to attack and had two glorious chances to extend their lead, Ollie Cipa was sent through one on one with the goalkeeper but fouled to find a finish with the shot stopper making a save at his near post. Moments later good work from Cipa down the right opened up the Colchester defence, Cipa played the ball across goal to Mike Smith and with the keeper out of position it looked easier to score but a mistimed shot from the midfielder went wide of the goal.

Colchester began to play their way into the match and started to put pressure on the havering defence with good running from the central midfield player. They were awarded their first penalty corner of the match and looked for a deflection at the far post but Andrews stepped off his post well to intercept the ball and clear to safety. Havering were not so lucky from Colchester's next corner when a good strike beat Joe Cole at his near post.

As half time approached Havering were awarded two more penalty corners but fouled to take advantage with the visiting goalkeeper this time saving from Alastair Lewis on two occasions. Half time 1-1.

Colchester started the second half on the front foot with Havering struggling to play with any real intensity but the away side struggled to create any clear cut chances with Cole only having to make a few interceptions from corners. At the other end it was looking like it was going to be one of those days as Marcus Hall and Stuart Garnell had a staggering four shots in a row all hitting the goalkeeper on his near post.

In what turned out to be a rather uneventful second half it looked like the game would end in a draw when the Colchester keeper made an impressive save from Ingram's short corner strike with the ball coming back off the bar and being cleared to safety. With time running out Paul Johnson found himself on the base line and managed to win another penalty corner, Ingram beat two defenders and smashed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. Havering held out to claim a vital three points and keep some needed pressure on the sides above them in the table.

Due to Indoor commitments Havering's game against Bourne has been moved to next sat at Campion. Havering will have the opportunity to go top of the league with a win all be it for possibly only a week until the other sides catch up.

MOTM - Alex Jupp DOTD - Mike Smith