Havering v Old Loughts 3’s

Havering travelled to Old Loughts aiming to get back to winning ways after last week’s defeat against Upminster. Player coach Jack Barlow started an extended absence on the sidelines after breaking his finger in four places the previous week with Kyle Orton, Luke Joslin and Paul Dover also missing but Havering were given a boost with Nick Lampkin added to the squad.

A fast start to the game resulted in plenty of possession and attacking opportunities for Havering who took the lead from their second Penalty Corner of the match won by Toshan Patel and dispatched into the side netting by Harry Andrews. Chances continued to come with Luke Alexandrou testing the keeper on two occasions and Andrews having two further Penalty Corners saved.

As the half continued the lack of a second goal was almost punished by Loughts as a lifted ball across the circle was tapped in at the back post but was judged by the umpires to be dangerous giving Havering a somewhat fortunate reprieve. Andy Gaut was also called into action in the final seconds of the half saving with his feet at the near post.
The second half started in the same manner as the first with Alexandrou picking up an aerial from Lampkin in the middle of the pitch and passing to Patel who in turn fed Alex Lee on the base line who’s cross was intercepted at the last second as Adam Willett was ready to tap home on the penalty spot.
Havering did extend their lead midway through the half when Willett won possession in the middle and played in Lee who drove down the left before cutting back into the circle and delivering a ball to the back post for 14-year-old Oliver Hinton to deflect into the net for his first senior goal. In doing so he became the third generation of Hinton to play for and score for Havering 1’s following in the footsteps of grandad Clive and dad Mike.
The game was effectively put to bed with ten minutes remaining as Lee won a penalty corner and Andrews swapped passes with Alastair Lewis before firing into the corner of the goal making it 3-0. Loughts managed a consolation with two minutes remaining after Havering lost possession high up the pitch and a well worked move was finished with a fierce strike from the top of the circle.
An important three points for Havering who go into a tough double header next weekend against 4th placed Harpenden and top of the table Broxbourne.