Hemel Town sunk by Havant and Waterlooville late show

Hemel were impressive on the night and started the game at a very high tempo, creating some decent early chances.

Dennis Oli almost opened the scoring for the visitors when he got on the end of a superb through-ball from Jordan Parkes, but his shot crashed back off the post.

The game was evenly poised at the break at 0-0, and it looked increasingly like the first team to score would probably go on and win the game.

Bad news for Hemel was that Oli had to be replaced at half-time and reportedly had to receive oxygen after suffering breathing problems during the interval.

Tudors keeper Laurie Walker was called upon a couple of times in the second half, making two superb saves, but Hemel kept attacking and were just as likely to break the deadlock.

As the game reached its climax, Havant started to pile on the pressure, with Hemel looking as though they would settle for a point.

Just when it seemed as though a draw was on the cards, the stalemate was broken in the 85th minute.

Hemel were hit on the counter, with Ben Swallow making a 30-yard run into the heart of the Tudors back-line before passing to Scott Donnelly who converted from close range to the relief of the home support.

The visitors were stunned by this setback and quickly conceded a second, just two minutes, later when JJ Hooper made a similar run, before crossing to sub Shamir Mullings who made no mistake. Mullings had only been on the field for a minute.

The final score of 2-0 was harsh on Hemel who now find themselves in 19th place in the Vanarama Conference South, though they do have a game in hand on some of their rivals.

Dean Brennan’s side will be hoping for better fortune on Saturday when they visit high flying Eastbourne Borough, who will be looking to bounce back themselves after a 5-2 reverse at new league leaders Borehamwood on Monday evening.