Havering v Potters Bar

Havering travelled to Potters Bar hoping to get back to winning ways against a team they had beaten 2-1 in a close encounter at Campion earlier in the season. It was a perfect start as from push back Havering dominated possession and were awarded two early penalty corners, the first blocked by the number one runner and the second bringing an early save from the home keeper from a Harry Andrews drag flick.

Somewhat against the run of play Potters Bar were awarded a penalty corner of their own but Liam Appleyard ran out well to block the attempt. Continuing the early momentum Havering forced another penalty corner this time dispatched into the bottom corner by Andrews giving a deserved early lead and Havering came close to extending that lead with Adam Willett inches away from connecting with Appleyard’s pass from another penalty corner. More chances came for Havering but as the half came closer to its end the home side began to insert more pressure on the Havering backline with a forward deflecting just wide after a cross into the D. Minutes before half time the scores where level as Potters Bar scored a well worked deflection routine.

An end-to-end affair ensued in the second half with both teams creating chances, but it was the home side that took the lead from another penalty corner. The initial effort was blocked around the penalty spot, but the ball fell kindly to an attacker whose lifted shot deflected up off Andy Gaunt and into the back of the net. Havering rallied and instantly went back on the attack and were awarded more short corners with the home keeper producing two very good saves from Andrew’s flicks. A change of tactic at the next penalty corner worked as Paul Johnson’s deflected effort from an Alastair Lewis pass looked destined for the back of the net only for another fine save by the keeper. As the ball fell to Appleyard for a tap in the keeper dived on top of the ball resulting in a penalty flick which Paul Dover converted to bring the scores back level.

Havering pushed for a winner and were awarded one final opportunity at the final whistle from a penalty corner. Andrews swapped passes with Dover but had his shot blocked with the ball falling to Adam Lumbers who fired wide bringing the came to an end. A game where Havering probably deserved more but paid for not taking their opportunities, something they will be looking to improve on when they host bottom of the table Colchester at Campion next week.