A testing away fixture to Havering Mens 2nd team was Upminster Mens 3rd teams opening league game of the season. The home side had plenty of the ball early on but were forcing no more half chances towards the U’s goal. Then it was Upminster who were very unlucky not to score, when on 2 occasions Hudson was first denied but a great save by the Havering keeper and then hit the bar from 3 yards when it seemed easier to score?
Then a superb break away from Upminster from within their own half saw Murphy carry the ball into the oppositions ‘D’ and perfectly timed his pass to Dance who finished off the fine move. Not long had passed when a loose ball inside the U’s ‘D’ was finished off by a Havering forward to level the game. A few mis-timed stick tackles saw temperatures raise a little and then a couple of green cards were issued after both sides had been warned from the Umpires. Upminster with the advantage made Havering pay with another 2 quick goals before the break, 1 from Murphy and another for Dance saw the away side take a commanding 3-1 lead into the break.
Upminster knew Havering would come out strong in the 2nd half and even though the U’s defence marshalled by DOTM Appleton was under immense pressure, Havering struggled to make any clear cut chances. Eventually though Havering hit back with 2 goals to level the match and swing the game into their favour. Havering continued to push for the winner but were undone yet again at the back when Upminster broke and MOTM Dance fed Murphy to score his 2nd of the match and win the game for Upminster.
Next weekend Upminster will look to take on the early season promise when they face East London at Coopers.
MOTM – Dance
DOTM – Appleton
