Masson and Jones lead Fareham fightback

The visitors trailed 2-0 early on but stormed back to take the three points and leapfrog their rivals to move into third in South Clubs’ Women’s League division three B.

Coach Steve Lemon was delighted once again with his side’s character and the level of hockey being played.

He said: ‘I said to the girls beforehand, it would be a better win than the East Grinstead one in a way because we’re both level on points, it’s a local derby and we’ve got a weakened side.

‘We’re probably one of the fittest sides in the league.

‘We always back ourselves to finish strongly anyway.

‘I was never that worried, even at 2-0 down because we were playing some of our best hockey of the season.

‘I was pretty confident there would only be one winner.’

They went to Trojans with a depleted side and Tara Lemon, Steve’s daughter, produced a man-of-the-match performance at the age of 14.

Fareham took a while to get going and conceded a scrappy goal in the sixth minute to Maddy Pendle.

They had opportunities to equalise.

But Trojans proved more clinical and scored a second through Rosie Lickorish in the 34th minute.

However, the visitors clicked into gear early in the second period to get themselves back in the game.

Fareham were awarded a penalty corner three minutes in and took full advantage with a great strike from Emily Masson, which was deflected in by Emma Jones.

Masson smacked in the equaliser three minutes later from another penalty corner.

Fareham continued to put their opponents under pressure and finally took the lead for the first time in the 49th minute.

A great attack through the midfield was finished off by Jones for her second goal of the match to make it 3-2.

Lemon added: ‘Amanda Hilsdon was immense at the back, taking on the mantle of looking after Tara and really stepped up her game.

‘Everybody’s giving absolutely everything and that’s all you can ask for as a coach.’