It was a grey cold Saturday, there was a fragrance of leftover cranberry and turkey in the air, but a constant air of optimism as the team warmed up. Aware we were playing a team so close to us in the league. A result was all we wanted.

As the game started Gosport was the dominant force, striking from our first short corner of the afternoon, from our own Rob Forrest. Heads were up and belief was refortified.

Following Haslemere clawing their way back in to the game, our second strike arrived. A well worked goal saw Gosport take advantage of an over keen goalkeeper, seeing Jamie return Gosport’s lead. Another return from Haslemere, was retorted with Jamies third, his second on the day with a finely dinked goal.

In the madness it shan’t be forgotten that without Phil’s heroics on the goal line which dashed Haslemeres hopes of taking the lead and Charlie tipping the ball over the crossbar the game could have slide away to an undeserved Haslemere side.

Moving deep into the second half Haslemere scored again clawing themselves out of their hole, again. In retort Adam got his name on the scoresheet with a confidently taken finish, showing once again the relentless nature the team had all over the pitch.

Moving into the final minutes Gosport were confidently holding the ball. Trying to remain on the front foot and play to our strengths in the final third. It was over confidence that saw a loose pass from our left back (not pointing fingers) giving Haslemere the break. A deflected shot saw Charlie left hapless and Haslemere back on terms.

Across the team we knew we deserved more and pushed forward with conviction.

It was in the final seconds the decisive moment occurred. With us forward, Haslemere squeezed the ball to the wing, moving forward and winning the short corner with seconds remaining. Once the whistle went and Haslemere struck the killer blow, heads dropped. We knew, as did they, that we deserved more.

We grouped together following the final blow of the whistle knowing a point was the least we deserved, but we knew once the smoke cleared the team would rally again, ready for the next challenge on the horizon!