Havant entered the mid season Christmas break with a splendid 3-1 home win to move into second position in the table. Havant went into the half time break with a two goal advantage, which could have been greater.
Havant made a good start forcing the University of Birmingham back into defence, winning their first penalty corner in the 6th minute. Federico Bertoni rattled the students cross bar with a deflected drag flick. A re-take was awarded, but this broke down at the top of the circle.
Havant did not have long to wait until they took a deserved lead, when in the 9th minute Miguel Rodrigues converted a field goal with a flick from close range. A few minutes later Birmingham responded with a couple of penalty corners in quick succession, the first was wide of the goal and the second was saved by Maciej Pacanowski.
Havant had territorial advantage in the first half and created a good number of circle entries and goal scoring opportunities. It was therefore not surprising that in the 22nd minute Federico Bertoni fired Havant into a two goal lead with a well placed flick from the home sides 3rd penalty corner.
Towards the end of the first half Birmingham did have some territory, but it was Havant who had the best chances and they could have gone into the half time break with more goals, the best chance in a last minute penalty corner, that was shot wide of the goal.
University of Birmingham put Havant under a great deal of pressure in the second half, but the home side defended well in a structured fashion and once again Maciej Pacanowski at times was quite outstanding in the Havant goal.
The visitors won a penalty corner seven minutes into the half, which was converted by Cuthbert Shepherd. This goal restored their belief and they played the ball round with confidence. Three saves from Maciej followed, one from their 4th penalty corner of the game. It is fair to say at this stage that the students were the dominant side and controlling the game. Havant did create chances, but these did not trouble the students goalkeeper.
As the intensity of the game increased, so did the physicality and a number of yellow cards were awarded. First to go was Federico Bertoni in the 55th minute and worse was to come when Charlie Stubbings joined him on the side lines in the 63rd minute. This two man advantage was eased in the 66th minute when Adan Harriman won a yellow card for the students.
In the last ten minutes both teams had further penalty corners, one for the students saw a great double save from Havant’s Polish International keeper. As the students pressed for an equaliser a quick break saw Jack Stubbings win Havant’s 6th penalty corner of the game in the 68th minute. Once again Federico Bertoni made no mistake to secure the game for Havant.
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their best wishes due to my medical setback. I was very disappointed not to be at our Sponsors and Patrons lunch and the game today, but I am determined to be at Havant College next Sunday when we entertain Chichester in the National Knock Out Cup. Chichester had a great win at Cardiff Met today and I am sure the game next weekend will be nothing but entertaining.