Havering 1s vs Old Loughts 3s

Saturday 23rd September saw Havering host Old Loughtonians 3’s, a team riding high from a well contested 3-3 at home to Bedford the week before.

Havering started well, opting to press high with intensity and vigour. The youthful forward line worked hard and made it extremely difficult for their opponents to settle. Old Lought’s frustration was evident from the offset making the first period of play a fair albeit raucous affair.

Havering’s tenacity and vigour paid dividends mid way through the first half when they turned over play once again. Havering’s experienced back line and midfield trio nurtured the ball for some time before finding the space to play it up to the forwards who won a penalty corner.
The short corner was not executed to plan and Andy Greenhalgh was forced to play a ball in which was deflected out to Paul Johnson. Johnson swept the ball at pace towards the back post where Patel pounced and expertly deflected the ball past the keeper to ensure Havering took a 1-0 lead into half time.

Havering started the second half well and continued to defend expertly against a well drilled opposition with Luke Joslin and Kyle Orton putting in exceptional performances throughout.

Havering absorbed waves of pressure from the highly skilled opposition but as tempers frayed, with a mix of yellow and green brandished along the way, Havering seized their opportunity to take advantage. 'Man of the Match' Patel turned the ball over and played it to Hayden Joslin. Patel made yet another fantastic lead into the D and latched on to a great through ball from H Joslin. Patel was greeted by an energetic challenge from the oppositions goalkeeper who missed the ball completely resulting in Patel tumbling to the ground and the umpire signaling for a penalty.
Paul Dover stepped up and converted it expertly, making the score 2-0.

Havering’s strong work ethic and drive continued through the remainder of the half resulting in a well deserved victory.