Men's 1's still in the Hunt!!!!

Havering went into their final home game of the season against a West Herts team needing points in order to survive in the league. Havering knew a win was a must if they were to have any chance of snatching promotion away from Old Southendians. Paul Dover, Mike Smith, Adam Lumbers and Gaz Ingram were all unavailable but Chris Dunn and Player/Coach Paul Johnson returned after missing last weeks 7-2 win over St Ives.

West Herts set out to keep men behind the ball in the early stages of the match as Havering dominated possession but they failed to create any real opportunities and struggled to break down the deep Herts defensive unit. Havering did manage to create three penalty corner opportunities but all were thwarted by a poor injection. Against the run of play a defensive mix up allowed a Herts forward through on goal who kept his composure and smashed the ball into the net giving Joe Cole little chance. Havering didn't respond particularly well but soon found themselves level when Dunn deflected the ball towards goal from the top of the D, the away keeper assuming the ball had not been touched inside the circle left the ball to nestle in the corner of the goal, goal given and the scores remained 1-1 at half time.

The second half was a different affair as Havering not only had the majority of possession but also looked much more threatening with it. Connor Poulain was causing trouble down the right and won an early Penalty corner, again the injection was bad but Alastair lewis slipped the ball right to Johnson who teed up Dunn to score from the top of the D for his second of the match. Havering continued to push and added to their lead with a well worked team goal, Dunn, Marcus Hall and Harry Andrews were all involved as Poulain was sent through into the D and pushed the ball past the keeper into the far corner of the goal. Minutes later the game was all but over as another fine team move this time down the left sent Stuart Garnell free in the D, Garnell's shot was save but Andrews was on hand to finish with a reverse stick effort.

More chances came and went for Havering as Dunn in particular had two fine chances to grab his hat-trick but Havering did add a fifth from a penalty corner as Johnson deflected in Alex Jupp's pass. Final score 5-1.

Havering were boosted with the news after the final whistle that Old Southendians had lost at home to Colchester meaning there is just a one point difference going into the final game. Old Southendians travel to Bourne who need points to ensure their own survival and Havering have a tough trip to Colchester in the final games. Still a long shot but Havering are very firmly still in the hunt going into the last game.