Rock bottom Havant stun leaders Teddington to collect their first National League point of the season

Havant ended a run of National 1 South defeats by picking up their first point of the season.
Jamie Rawlings, left, was on target for Havant as they collected their first league point of the season. Picture: Ian HargreavesJamie Rawlings, left, was on target for Havant as they collected their first league point of the season. Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Jamie Rawlings, left, was on target for Havant as they collected their first league point of the season. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

And what a point it was - ending leaders Teddington’s 100 per cent start.

In contrast, Havant had entered the game having lost their opening four games, but survived a late scare to record a 2-2 draw.

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They remain bottom - the only team in the division yet to win - but will take great confidence from their unexpected point.

Havant started strongly and a good save from Rory McCallum denied them a second-minute lead.

It was just rewards for their attacking hockey that they went ahead in the 12th minute after a Teddington foot in the circle gifted Havant a penalty corner.

Jamie Rawlings made no mistake, flicking low inside McCallum’s right post.

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Teddington slowly worked their way into the game and by the end of the first quarter they had pushed their forwards high and wide.

They began the second quarter in menacing form, and in the 21st minute won the first of six penalty corners.

Havant conceded an equaliser three minutes later when Ed Greaves slapped a cross past Maciej Pacanowski.

Four minutes later worse was to come as Havant conceded a second goal from Teddington’s second penalty corner.

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The flick found a defender’s foot on the line and a penalty stroke was awarded, Kyle White giving Pacanowski no chance.

Havant did win a penalty corner in overtime at the end of the first half, but could not take advantage.

To their credit, Havant levelled on 43 minutes after a break down the right.

Maciej Janiszewski, who had another good game, found fellow Pole Eryk Bembenek in the circle. After running into space to receive the ball, the striker fired a reverse shot past McCallum.

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Teddington won two more penalty corners, Pacanowski pulling off a superb double save from the second one.

Bembenek had an opportunity to put Havant ahead, but he was forced wide and could not get his shot in.

A minute later Teddington won their fifth penalty corner which was once saved by Pacanowski.

With three minutes left Havant won a penalty corner, but the effort was saved.

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Then, in overtime, the visitors were awarded their sixth penalty corner.

Teddington sensed victory, but the shot went wide and Havant had their first point on the board.

Havant travel to third-placed Oxford Hawks this Sunday (2pm).

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