HOCKEYHavant V 1, IW 6
ANOTHER excellent display saw IW continue their winning run, beating third-placed Havant on their own pitch.
Despite missing two regular defenders, IW showed their resilience and stopped Havant, on a three game winning streak themselves, in their tracks.
After an even opening, IW made the breakthrough thanks to Barry Lloyd, who used his pace to beat the keeper to the ball and slot home. But Havant hit back themselves a few minutes later, picking up a loose ball after finding the corner of the net.
This could have knocked IW back but, instead, they pushed forward, regaining the lead after Stephen Woodford knocked in Colin Simmonds’s earlier shot which had hit the posts.
And before the break, Woodford claimed his second to give the Island a 3-1 lead.
IW knew the first goal of the second half would be crucial and they scored it after a brilliantly worked short corner routine, with Woodford sweeping home for his hat-trick.
Havant were growing increasingly frustrated and IW were ruthless, with goals from Simmonds, who capped a fine display with a solo run and finish, and the industrious Rob Forrest, who slotted home after beating a number of challenges.
Tomorrow (Saturday), IW host Petersfield at Small-brook, starting at 1pm.