Fareham left disappointed they didn’t beat South Women’s League high-flyers PHC Chiswick

In atrocious conditions at Henry Cort, Fareham were very good value for their 1-1 draw against opponents who had recorded four successive wins.

But for second half injuries, they could well have headed into a second lockdown with a morale-boosting success.

Though Tara Lemon was still unavailable, Fareham were boosted by Heather Batten's first appearance of the season and the presence of Lydia Rowswell who had travelled down from London to help strengthen the defence.

‘We knew it would take a very big effort and hard work if we were to get anything from the match,’ said Fareham manager Steve Lemon.

‘The degree to which the players succeeded is reflected by the fact that even though we played some great hockey, there was some disappointment we hadn't got the win we deserved.’

After Batten - last season’s top scorer - had deflected a penalty corner just over, Fareham took a 19th minute when Hannah Ward netted from a Bel Capper pass for her first 1st XI goal.

Sam Mitchell almost doubled the lead, shooting narrowly wide, while at the other end Hannah Oldham cleared off the line after a Chiswick player lost her footing when presented with a clear shot at goal.

‘The second half never quite lived up to the first as both sides found themselves on the wrong end of some strange umpiring decisions,’ reported Lemon.

‘What had been quite a flowing game became bitty with regular stoppages.’

Chiswick levelled in the 50th minute when Rebecca Smith netted direct from a penalty corner.

Fareham subsequently lost two of their major goal threats.

First, Vicky Field limped off with a recurrence of an ankle injury that has struck previously this season and then Rebecca Reavell picked up a nasty cut below the eye which prematurely ended her game.

Fareham are eighth out of 12 teams, with one win, two draws and three losses from six games.