Havant throw away 3-1 lead to crash to shock home loss to strugglers Oxford Hawks

Matt Cox is bought down during Havant's defeat to Oxford. Picture: Keith Woodland

A victory over lowly Oxford at Havant College would have seen Havant move to within a point of the table-toppers.

But they threw away a 3-1 lead to lose a remarkable encounter 6-5 - only their second league defeat in 12 games this season.

Havant took a fourth minute lead through Manuel Silvetti’s reverse sho.

Charlie Stubbings is bought down by an Oxford Hawks opponent. Picture: Keith Woodland

Home keeper Maciej Pacanowski saved from a penalty corner shortly after, but was beaten when corner specialist Jack Biggs slammed a drag flick past him for an equaliser.

Pacanowski was kept busy thereafter, only for Havant to retake the lead - Silvetti again on target in a counter attack on 19 minutes.

Charlie Stubbings increased the hosts’ lead four minutes later. Winning the ball on the halfway line by catching a defender in possession, he surged forward before rounding keeper Chris Price to score.

The visitors were in no mood to capitulate, Ted Bennett pulling a goal back after a penalty corner save from Pacanowski fell to his open stick.

Matt Cox in action for Havant during their loss to Oxford. Picture: Keith Woodland

Andy Watts then equalised from another rebound from a penalty corner.

Havant were back in front in the third quarter with Stubbings setting up Jamie Whitehouse for a rasping shot across in the 45th minute.

Briggs made it 4-4 on 52 minutes, converting a penalty, before Freddie Smith put Hawks ahead for the first time.

It was Havant’s turn to level on 58 minutes with possibly the best goal of the game.

Jamie Whitehouse fires in a shot for Havant against Oxford. Picture: Keith Woodland

From a very narrow angle, having been forced wide, Atiq Arshad sent a powerful reverse shot past Smith.

Hawks scored the winner just two minutes later after a speculative cross from the right wing was deflected to the unmarked Edward Tristem.

This weekend Havant have a double header with a rearranged game at leaders Oxted on Saturday and Team Bath visiting Havant College the following day (12.30pm).

Fareham are six points adrift at the bottom after their scheduled home match with Southgate was washed out and results elsewhere went against them.

Charlie Stubbings congratulates Jamie Whitehouse on his goal against Oxford. Picture: Keith Woodland

They sank deeper into the relegation mire as fellow strugglers Canterbury (3-1 winners at Teddington) and Hawks (at Havant) snatched vital victories.

Fareham now face a demanding double banker awayday double this weekend - visiting Team Bath on Saturday and Sevenoaks 24 hours later.

Brighton & Hove, the only side Fareham have beaten this term, are six points clear of them with a vastly superior goal difference.