Hayling United bid to avenge 'worst display’ – as Locks Heath keep on winning in the Hampshire Premier League

The Humbugs welcome Overton aiming for their seventh Hampshire Premier League Senior Division victory in nine outings.

Dan Bishop’s men have won their last two games 3-1 - following up a win at Clanfield with another three points against Stockbridge.

Ex-Moneyfields midfielder George Way collected a pair of assists in the latest victory.

He slid a pass through for wing-back Ben Metherell to open the scoring before his corner was headed in by Dan Clasby.

Another ex-Moneys man, George Gregory, added the third before half-time.

Stockbridge replied late on, leaving Bishop to admit: ‘We were quite good.

‘We were a bit disjointed, we had two players (Harry Frost and Jack Bishop) pull out through injury late on.

‘I would love to be able to field the same side two games running.

‘Their goal was a bit harsh on Chris Clark, he deserved a clean sheet.’

Hayling crashed 3-0 at Overton back in September and Bishop recalled: ‘We owe them one - that was probably our worst display of the season.’

Completing a good day for the Humbugs, their reserves caned Liphook 4-0 with goals from Ant Blake (2), George Rough and Jack Mardell.

The latter is a midfielder who is in his first full season at the club after joining from Hayling St Andrews under-18s.

‘Jack’s got a good future,’ said Bishop. ‘We rate him very highly.’

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Locks Heath are exceeding even their own expectations in the Hampshire Premier League Senior Division this season.

They recorded their 10th win in 16 games - compared to just four in 24 in 2019/20 - to move to within a point of leaders Bush Hill.

Strikes in the opening 23 minutes from Tristan Dawson and Connor Johnson, who was shown a straight red card on the half-hour, gave them their eighth win in their last nine league and cup matches.

They have only conceded five goals in that time, including a late penalty in their only defeat during that period at home to Fleetlands.

‘We know the table is lying a little bit in regards to where we are because of the fact we’ve played so many more games than other teams,' said assistant boss Jon Whitfield.

'I don’t think anyone at the start of the season thought we would do as well as we have done so we’re very pleased with what we’ve done.

'We’ll just keep going game by game.

'We want to finish in that top four really, that’s what our aim is and what we’re trying to do.

‘If it gets better then that, and we win every game, then obviously we’re going to be right up there.'

Locks travel to Stockbridge this weekend before hosting Hayling United on Monday, December 28.