United sink to another defeat at Hamble
HAYLING United still prop up the Wessex League Premier Division table after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hamble aSSC at Follands Park on Tuesday night.
With manager Lee Paul still finding his feet in football management - and having totally rebuilt the side that finished last season by winning the Portsmouth Senior Cup - everything pointed to the Humbugs upsetting the odds and winning their first match of the season against a vastly-improved Hamble side.
Within 60 seconds of the start, Josh Warren created a glorious opportunity for Adam Rudling to take aim and send a shot crashing against the underside of the Hamble crossbar.
And for the next 15 minutes the visitors appeared to be in control, only for the Aircraftsmen to pick up a gear and hit back with an opener – former Fareham striker Jamie Musselwhite meeting a cross from Ashley Jarvis at the far post to tuck the ball into an empty net.
And just before the interval, in almost an identical move, Hayling's defence were found wanting again as Jamie Barron's far post cross was tapped in by Richard Gregory to double Hamble's advantage.
Much of the second half was dominated by Hamble, and former Gosport defender Danny Sturman was the width of the crossbar away from making it three with a header.
Late on, better finishing by Rob Tambling and Dave Black may have earned Hayling a point, particularly if Jason Clements' blistering drive had found the top corner of the net instead of the fingertips of keeper Jon Webb.
Paul said after seeing his side slip to their fourth defeat in five attempts in the league so far this season: "Our performances are generally good, but unfortunately results continue to go against us.
"But I have every confidence in the squad and they are easily good enough to keep us safely in this league."
United, who have just one point out of a possible 15, are without a game this weekend but travel to Arlesbury Park on Tuesday night to tackle Arlesford in the Wessex Premier.
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Weather for Hayling
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
