|
 ‘The Sports’ made the short trip to Hampshire hoping to end a league ‘hoo-doo’ at Westleigh Park. Robbie Kember made his 1st start for the club, replacing Darren Budd who was on England Futsal duty, the recent recruit from Tonbridge Angels was to have a fine game.
The visitors had the strong wind in their faces and the hill to climb in the 1st half, but made an excellent start outplaying the home side; a feature of the entire 90 minutes; ‘The hawks’ using the long ball to great effect. Half chances fell to Jay Lovett’s head and Matt Crabb’s feet after the 1st of several mazy runs but totally against the run of play the hosts opened the scoring. Darren baker slipped whilst attempting to play the ball back to Lee Hook and Rocky Baptiste made the most of the situation by nipping in to round Hook and roll the ball home for 1-0.
Boro refused t let this break their rhythm and Boro had a chance 2 equalise on 15 minutes. A right-wing corner from Matt Crabb allowed Scott Ramsay to shoot. The Havant defender clearly blocked the ball with his hand; the ball having travelled some distance. The defence appeared to stop awaiting the penalty decision; but it never came. The brief pause allowed the ball to be squared to Andy Atkin who could not steer the ball past Kevin Scriven. The miss, and missed penalty, was further punished by the home side on 18 minutes. A deep cross from Charlie Henry was met by Baptiste at the far post who managed to squeeze the ball past Hook for his 2nd and ultimately the winning goal.
Boro continued to play the better football and Matt Crabb’s 2nd run at the heart of the Havant defence resulted in a short pass to Paul Armstrong, cut out at the last moment. On the half-hour Boro had a 2nd penalty appeal ignored as Pat Harding delivered a succession of excellent right-wing crosses. The Boro captain made a neat run to the near post and with his eye on the ball was bundled to the ground; Mr Rock again unmoved. Richard Pacquette blasted over as another long-ball turned the Boro defence but just before the break Matt Crabb shot at Scriven when well placed as the home defence completely lost sight of the Boro No. 11 and the ball as Harding again crossed from the bye line.
Havant opened the 2nd half with Henry firing past Hooks near post but again Boro were to dominate the play and chances throughout the 45 minutes. Atkin’s header was saved by Scriven and Lovett looped a header into the keepers arms before Nathan Crabb replaced his brother as Boro chased a share of the points. Ramsay headed over from Armstrong’s corner and the skipper hooked an effort over after Kember had provided an excellent through ball.
 Scriven punched bravely as ‘The Sports’ poured forward and the hosts finally threatened Hooks goal with 5 minutes to go. Gavin McCallum lacked conviction in a 1-on-1 with the Boro keeper; Lee’s dive at the substitutes feet preventing a 3rd, and Baptiste was denied a hat-rick by Hook at the near post in the last minute. Adam Wilde provided some excellent low deliveries but no Boro player could make the final touch until in the 3rd minute of time added Neil Jenkins rifled home with virtually the last kick of the game.
Again Boro lose at Havant & Waterlooville by the odd goal. On past occasions the score line may have reflected the game but not today. Boro appeared to show no sign of any scars from the Cambridge City home defeat with the football and effort matching what has been displayed all season. Sometimes the footballing gods are not with you and today was one such day. What if Mr. Rock had awarded 1 of the 2 penalty claims, what if Boro had converted one of several half chances before the closing stages, what if Scriven and Baptiste had not been in such fine form, who knows ? All that can be certain is that the squad again showed determination and character in abundance; there is still much to play for in the Blue Square South.
Match Details and Photos - Webmaster.
|
