Havering 3s vs Old Loughts 6s

Having been soundly defeated 3-0 in the reverse fixture, the team knew they had to be on top form if they were to get a result. Coupled with a difficult run in of upcoming games, it was important for Havering to try to get a win in this match.

The boys knew recent performances had been good although, despite long periods of dominance, a lack of clinical edge had often seen them end up with a number of draws. They aimed to fix that today.

The home team started in their usual spritely manner, stringing together passes and proving to be a constant threat to the visitors. It did take them some time to find their groove however, with Loughts well organised as always and winning the first short corner. The first goal however would go to the Home team after a brilliant tackle and run by Toby John in the midfield, to feed Will Tang, who's deflected shot would be turned in by James Willcocks in the 12th minute

Whilst the visitors tried to rally, Havering continually pestered their opponents, breaking up any real threat in the midfield and often allowing the back 4 to join the attack. Some brilliant play from the forwards allowed Eli Cook to navigate some brilliant space at the post, deftly flicking into the roof of the net after some fine Havering play. The home team persisted and the visitors could not keep up, conceding a carbon copy goal (also converted by Cook) this time at the opposite post after a short corner - a brilliant performance from the young lad. Despite a late flurry from Loughts, the visitors could not beat home GK Lonnie Yang, matching their attacks with some equally brilliant saves

Half-time beckoned and the boys knew there were more goals in this. They took to the field with the same intensity and composure and being careful to not let complacency set in against a historically dangerous opposition. Complacency wasn't present however as Havering scored again 1 minute after half-time, with some fine play from the wingers to sit the away GK down and allowing Will Tang to score into an open goal.

Havering remained dominant throughout the second half, with Leo Yang spurning a number of good chances and James Downey unable to convert a difficult 1-on-1. Will Tang however put the game to bed in the 46th minute with a brilliant dragflick past the Old Loughts goalkeeper.

Away tempers seemed to flare towards the end of the match but credit to Havering for remaining composed. Will Tang completed his hattrick in the 54th minute and Havering were unfortunate not to add to their tally by the time the final whistle blew. A complete performance from the home side against a team that often troubles them, the 3s left the pitch beaming with a great performance under their belt knowing that this was the best showing they could have had before visiting league leaders Saffron Walden next week.

FT Havering 3's 6-0 Old Loughtonians