Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nds V New Milton 2nds
In their final game of the season Services’ Seconds made it a game to remember as they fought back from two goals down to claim only their second ‘three points’ of the season with a superb battling 4-2 win against mid-table side New Milton 2nds.
Services failed to settle in a scrappy first half and New Milton punished sloppy defending with two quick goals. But Irwin Lasrado lifted spirits when he fired home the all important first-goal for Services towards the end of the first half to reduce the deficit to 2-1 at half-time. After the break a revitalised Services side, hungry for their second win of the season, took the game to the opposition. Striker Rob O’Kane slammed a deserved second goal past the opposition keeper into the top left corner to level the game at 2-2. The game was now stretched as both sides went for the win. New Milton were still very much in the game and constantly probed for weaknesses in Services’ back line. But Portsmouth’s defence stood firm and eventually they took the lead after a deflected shot from a short corner crept over the goal line. The decisive fourth goal came from centre back Stuart Webster who fired a bullet of a shot onto the backboard from a quick-fire short corner routine to make it 4-2. The final whistle saw much jubilation from a Services side that had finally achieved the second win of the season that they’d waited so long for.
Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nds V Salisbury 3rds
Despite an improved all-round performance from Services’ second team, in another battling performance at Burnaby Road against much stronger opposition, they conceded two goals in each half to allow Salisbury 3rds to claim the points.
Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nds v IOW
Unfortunately Services’ 2nds were unable to get a team together and had to concede a walkover to IOW 2nds.
5th March – Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nds v Eastleigh
Another valiant performance from Services’ seconds saw them lose narrowly to fourth placed Eastleigh 2-0 at Burnaby Road, but still move off the bottom of the table on goal difference.
19th Feb – Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nd’s v Fleet and Ewshot 2nd’s
In another battling, but ultimately unsuccessful performance at Burnaby Road, Services 2nds narrowly lost 2-1 to Fleet and Ewshot 2nds.
12 Feb – Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nd’s v Lavant
Services’ second team had another bad day at the office when they lost 6-0 away to mid-table side Lavant. The team now have six games left to gain points in their fight to move off the bottom of the table before the end of season. Next week’s home fixture against fellow strugglers Fleet and Ewshot 2nds will give Lewis Hall’s team the chance to begin the Great Escape.
5th Feb – Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nds v Petersfield Firsts
Bottom of the table Services seconds were beaten 7-1 at home to Petersfield
Sun 30 Jan 2011 – Hants Open League Trophy – United Services 2nds v Portsmouth and Southsea 2nds.
A battling display from United Services second team saw them just miss out in a thrilling game which had to be decided on by penalties after a 4-4 final score. Unfortunately for Services, Portsmouth and Southsea 2nds won the shoot out to go through to the next round against Andover 3rds on 20 March.
22nd Jan – Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nd’s v Fareham 6’s
Meanwhile in Hants Div 6 Services’ Second team could not prevent top of the table Fareham 6’s from taking all the points in a comprehensive 7-1 win at Burnaby Road.
Hants Div 6 – United Services (Portsmouth) 2nds v Eastleigh
After last week’s first win of the season it was a buoyant Services 2nds side who took on League high flyers Eastleigh at Fleming Park. Unfortunately the final score of 10-1 to Eastleigh reflected the home side’s top three league position and Portsmouth’s bottom spot. Despite a valiant team effort US were unable to cope with a very strong side who have lost only once this season and are undefeated at home. Next week’s game for Services 2nds is at home to mid-table side Isle of Wight 2nds.
Hants Div 6 – United Services 2nds v Southampton 5s
Meanwhile in Hants Div 6, bottom of the table Services 2nds recorded their first win of the season against local rivals and fellow strugglers Southampton 5. After dominating play in the first half but failing to score, it seemed only a matter of time before Services overall control reaped the benefit. After the break with the game still surprisingly tied at 0-0, US continued to press the opposition ; following a great run and pass from Stu Ainsley, Oscar Chilton (14 yrs old) the youngest player on the pitch, put the ball in the net to give his team a well deserved victory. This was a much needed win and the team’s growing confidence will be fully tested in their next game away at top of the table Eastleigh.
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