Fareham’s quest to win the South Central Premier 1 title this season was effectively ended by a 3-0 home defeat last Saturday at the hands of Oxford Hawks 2s. This, combined with a last minute winning goal for Oxford University in their game at Amersham, leaves us four points behind with just two league games remaining. Although it was a very disappointing defeat, in some ways this was a result that could have happened before now. Since halfway through the season we have struggled with player availability due to a combination of injury, illness and other commitments which has meant that we have regularly been playing teams with bigger squads. Despite this we have continued to play well and maintain our title challenge but it was always likely that one day it could catch up with us.

Saturday was not the first time we have had only twelve available players but this time it was even more of a challenge with people missing from key positions and two players taking part despite illness. It could have been worse but for the addition of two players called up from the 2s who played well in difficult circumstances. Heidi Podd was playing her first game for the 1s in several seasons whilst Harriet Burrell made her first team debut after starting the season in the 3s. This brought the total number of players who have played for us this season up to 33 (two seasons ago we only needed 18 players in our promotion season).

Our opponents, although in mid-table, were in good form after a run of results had removed the threat of relegation. They could have taken the lead in the 2nd minute when Lexie Steel’s shot was saved by Sophia Barclay. Fareham responded when Sophie Brennan’s run set up their first penalty corner but that was the full extent of goalmouth action in what was a rather low key opening twenty minutes.

In the final ten minutes of the half Fareham had the upper hand. Zoe Stride created a 26th minute chance for Amy Hill whose high shot was saved by Emma Page in the visitors’ goal and seconds later Lauren Beagrie’s cross from the right was just out of reach of a Fareham forward. Two more PCs for the home team brought the first period to an end.

The first half had not delivered much from either side but there was still hope that we could lift our game after the break and go on to win the match. Sadly it didn’t turn out that way and it was the away side who took the lead in the 38th minute. CATHERINE REANEY started the move with a run into the ‘D’ and after the ball was played back into the area she was on hand to deflect the ball past Sophia Barclay.

Before the home side could mount a response Oxford Hawks doubled their advantage in the 44th minute. It was similar to the first goal as a ball into the ‘D’ was deflected high past Sophia by CLAIRE WERLINGER.

After having reason to feel hopeful at half-time, Fareham now trailed 2-0 less than ten minutes into the second half. We have always shown ourselves to be a side that responds well to adversity and there was plenty of time remaining but it looked a difficult task.

The first opportunity to reduce the deficit came from a 54th minute PC. Although Tara Lemon’s shot was saved it was Fareham’s first shot of the half and was a positive sign that maybe the tide was turning. Three minutes later there was a further chance when Lois Haigh had a high shot saved.

Despite the brief revival there were very few options available to try something radically different. Hawks did not win their first PC until they were already two up but they gradually regained control as the game entered the final ten minutes. Lexie Steel’s dangerous cross caused problems in the 60th minute and a minute later she had another run that ended in a foul. Charlotte Seaman shot just wide from the resulting PC.

The final Oxford Hawks goal came in the 62nd minute. CHARLOTTE SEAMAN finally beat Sophia at the third attempt after the Fareham keeper had performed heroics to try to prevent the goal.

There was no way back and it was just a question of whether the home team could grab a consolation goal. In the final minute Sammy Powell’s shot was deflected wide off a foot. The subsequent PC was Fareham’s twelfth of the game but once again there was nothing to show for it and the final whistle signalled a 3-0 defeat.

Playing without any pressure, Hawks deserved the win. It was a very disappointing defeat for Fareham but needs to be put into some context. It was always going to be a difficult task in the circumstances but we never managed to raise our game to our usual high standard. It wasn’t a good day but it is not all doom and gloom. In the last two seasons at this level we have won 34 matches out of 42 played and have only been beaten three times – all against teams from Oxford.

Top spot may now be beyond us but it is important that we finish the season well and make certain of a top two finish. Next week is our final away game when we play Oxford (13.00 at Oxford Brookes University). They are third in the league table and we will be determined to ensure that they finish no higher.