Havant punished for missing opportunities at Cardiff & MetÂ

The visitors made a bright start, with a goalscoring opportunity just evading Ethan Hoddle.

Craig Duffy won Havant's first penalty corner, with Federico Bertoni's subsequent effort being cleared off the line.

Cardiff then clinched their maiden penalty corner of the game, but visiting keeper Maciej Pacanowski made a smart stop from it.  

However, the hosts broke the deadlock moments later through their next penalty corner. Cardiff mustered a well-worked deflection, which went into the roof of the net.

To their credit, Havant responded well by winning two quick penalty corners, but both were deflected wide by the hosts. 

Cardiff then went down to 10 men when one of their players received a green card for breaking down a visiting counter-attack shortly before half-time '“ yet Havant failed to take advantage. 

Indy Laly almost got the Barncroft Way outfit level after the interval but saw his shot saved. 

The Welsh side made Havant pay and doubled their advantage when they rounded off a counter attack. 

The visitors tried to reduce the arrears but Cardiff took advantage and two goals in five minutes put the game to bed. 

Cardiff were the better side overall, but Havant were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal. 

Meanwhile, Havant Ladies delivered a plucky performance at Southern League division two leaders Guildford. They made the table-toppers work hard but fell to a 4-2 loss.