Last-day goal spree gives Portsmouth 4ths Hampshire Hockey League title success

Portsmouth's Alex Williams in action during the 5-1 win against Gosport
Picture: Duncan Shepherd — Portsmouth's Alex Williams in action during the 5-1 win against Gosport Picture: Duncan Shepherd

US entered the final round of fixtures top of the table by virtue of a plus five better goal difference - plus 36 compared to Portsmouth’s plus 31.

But while US could only beat third bottom Fareham 8ths 2-1, Portsmouth 4ths stormed to a 9-0 victory over Petersfield - six of the goals coming in a storming first half.

Man of the match Caleb Rowland and Alan Ball both struck twice before half-time while Sam Hargreaves and Pete Wingate grabbed a goal apiece.

Portsmouth pair Ben Hayward (left) and Jon Farmer watch a Gosport opponent on the ball. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Captain Wingate and Ball both completed their hat-tricks after the restart as Portsmouth claimed the title.

Portsmouth's first team came out on top against Chichester in a five-goal thriller to continue their promotion assault in Hampshire & Surrey Regional 2.

A counter-attack saw Stu Avery release Chris Palmer, who slotted past the keeper to put Portsmouth on the way to a 3-2 victory.

Gosport's O'Bryne in possession against Portsmouth 2nds. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Back came Chichester as they levelled following a succession of short corners.

Portsmouth entered the second half with the instructions of coach Chris Wimshurst in their ears and were rewarded very early on.

Rob Hunt led an attack and a quickly taken free-hit saw him set up an easy finish for midfielder Luke Parsons.

A flurry of cards followed with Portsmouth down to nine players at one point.

Portsmouth 4ths celebrate winning the Hampshire Division 8 title

Chichester levelled again after being awarded a controversial penalty flick.

However, Portsmouth were not to be denied as Avery fired a winner.

Portsmouth 2nds came from behind to produce a five-star second-half showing in their battle with Gosport.

Portsmouth's Ben Lawford in action during the 5-1 win against Gosport. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

They ran out 5-1 victors in Hampshire Division 3 despite their opponents taking an early lead following a short corner.

Steven Rowland pulled off some fine saves to keep Gosport at bay and this proved to be a turning point.

The second half was a completely different story with Portsmouth the much stronger side.

Alex Williams' penalty flick dragged them level and Alfie Hall, Terry Exton, Ben Lawford and Jack Boswell added further goals.

Portsmouth 3rds defeated Havant 5ths 4-0 away under floodlights in Hampshire Division 5.

Portsmouth's Jon Farmer, right, in action against Gosport. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Jacob Shucksmith opened the scoring after five minutes with a reverse hit high into the net.

Portsmouth had a second soon after with Paul Barnes flicking home from a penalty corner.

Havant pushed for a way back into the game but, even amidst a controversial green card for Andy Arnell, Portsmouth’s defence stood strong.

Shucksmith struck his second before the break from a quick counter-attack to punish the home side for their poor finishing.

Colin Brown added a fourth after the restart.

'The result shows off some of the excellent work we have been putting in recently and across this entire season,' said captain Alex Love.

'I was very proud to come away with such an emphatic win.

‘It’s great to see some of our developing players coming through the club, delivering such composed performances.

'We look forward to our final game next week at Fareham where we hope to end a successful first season.'

Portsmouth 5ths defeated rock bottom Poole Dolphins 5-0 in Division 9 (South).

Portsmouth's Veterans completed their league season with a 2-1 defeat at home to Woking.They ended the campaign comfortably placed in mid-table.