Witham 3's vs Havering 2's

After a somewhat shaky start to the 2023/24 season, Havering looked to rebound in the new year against Witham who were only a point ahead of them. Havering started off very strongly, passing the ball with fluidity and urgency. Havering kept the relentless pressure up and it didn't take very long for the first short corner to be awarded. Roger Hiett drilled the short corner past the Witham keeper's left hand side to reward Havering their first goal of 2024.

The pressure continued with Witham not having much of a look in with the exception of one counter attack. Clearly the training and formation helped the 2's as the first half produced some of the best hockey of the season. Towards the end of the half, Havering were eventually awarded a penalty flick after a clumsy tackle from Witham which Roger Hiett dispatched dutifully and with venom.

Unfortunately, the 2nd half wasn't to be the same and roles were flipped. Havering became very pressured and this eventually tolled with Witham scoring from a short corner. Havering had to weather the storm a bit longer, but couldn't get out of their own half. Havering veteran Richard Cast had a lapse in judgement and inadvertently passed the ball straight to the Witham striker which led to a 2 on 1 and the equaliser. Havering were on the verge of throwing away a 2 goal lead but with some heroics from Havering keeper Paul Afteni, kept the scoreline 2-2.

Towards the last 5 minutes of the game, Havering seized an opportunity when Havering captain Ryan Lee dribbled the ball from his own D to Witham's D and with the help of Raff Evans, won a short corner. After a well rehearsed routine, Matt Kennedy tucked the ball away into the back of the net and this led to Havering earning a very well fought 3 points. Hopefully this kick starts Havering's 2024 season and they continue this next week into what will be a tough game against 2nd placed Chelmsford.