Fareham lead cut to just a point after suffering South Women’s League derby defeat at Havant

They suffered a 3-2 derby loss at a Havant side who are now third on the log.

The damage was done in the first half with Havant wiping out an early Fareham lead to score three times before the break.

The result leaves Fareham only one point ahead of Weybridge-based Old Georgians, who thrashed Hailsham 8-0. Havant lie three points off top spot.

The visitors dominated the initial five minutes and were rewarded when Heather Batten picked up a loose ball, turned her defender and scored.

Havant drew level minutes later after Kim Tyrell had created a turnover with her reverse stick in the middle of the pitch.

She drove forward, passing to Charlotte Gammon who drove into the circle, drew Fareham goalkeeper Jilly Toovey and produced a class finish.

Two more excellent team goals from Havant - from Poppy Herbert and Cat Evans - took them into a deserved internal lead.

Havant struggled to recapture their first half spark after the break, but kept Fareham at bay until five minutes from time when Vicky Field set up a frantic finish.

Fareham forced several penalty corners in the closing stages, but Havant stood firm to inflict only the leaders' second defeat of the season.