Rawlings’ debut double not enough as Havant suffer home loss in opening National South 1 fixture of new hockey season

Jamie Rawlings, left, struck twice on his debut as Havant were beaten 3-2 at home by Southgate. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

A new-look Havant side went down 3-2 to Southgate in an entertaining game.

After visiting keeper Chris Rea had made two smart saves, Southgate took a 15th minute when the captain John Sterlini deflected a ball hit into the circle past keeper Maciej Pacanowski.

After James Speke shot wide, Havant won their first penalty corner in the 22nd minute when Maciej Janiszewski found a defender’s foot in the circle.

Rawlings, a summer signing from Fareham, fired narrowly wide.

A minute later, Southgate stretched their lead through Charles Hamilton.

Havant had been unable to play their usual attacking flowing hockey, but fought back in the second half.

Within four minutes of the restart, debutant striker Eryk Bembenek won Havant’s second penalty corner which Rawlings converted.

This goal lifted the home side who now had their best spell of the game.

But it was Southgate who scored next when Pacanowsk bowled over a forward and Alex Williams converted the 55th minute.

Havant won two more penalty corners, the first was saved by Rea and the second - in the 69th minute - was converted again by Rawlings.

Havant chairman Chris Pickett said: ‘Despite losing, one should put the result into perspective.

‘Southgate played well and without doubt are a mature, well-drilled and experienced team that I am sure will be near the top at the end of the season.

‘Havant, after losing a high number of players, fielded a relatively young side, or certainly one with a subtle blend of experience and youth and they will take a few games to be most effective.

‘There were plenty of positives to take.’

Havant travel to Canterbury this weekend.