Off-colour Tudors slump to big defeat at Gosport Borough

Hemel Town crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Gosport Borough as Justin Bennett hit a hat-trick for the home side in their Conference South clash.
Hemel Hempstead Town striker Ben Mackey. Picture (c) Darren KellyHemel Hempstead Town striker Ben Mackey. Picture (c) Darren Kelly
Hemel Hempstead Town striker Ben Mackey. Picture (c) Darren Kelly

Gosport went into the game without a home league win this season, but Hemel were unable to prevent Bennett from bagging his treble, with Matt Paterson also finding the net for Borough.

Hemel made a bright start to the game, with Jamie Brighton forcing Gosport keeper Nathan Ashmore into a decent save inside the opening 10 minutes.

However, it was the hosts who went in front with their first attempt on goal when Bennett was left unmarked to head home Dan Wooden’s corner.

James Simmons came close with a strike from long range as the Tudors looked for a quick response, while Bennett could have doubled Gosport’s lead but could only fire over from inside the area.

Hemel manager Dean Brennan switched tactics shortly before half-time, replacing defender Kieran Murphy being with front-man Lewis Toomey, and Ben Mackey came close to restoring parity with an effort that was saved well by Ashmore.

However, it was Gosport who bagged the crucial second goal just 90 seconds after half-time when a fine ball from Wooden found Bennett, and he poked the ball past Tudors keeper Laurie Walker.

Paterson put the result beyond doubt with his second and Gosport’s third goal with 15 minutes remaining as he was played in by Bennett, and the latter completed his hat-trick three minutes from time.

The striker received a fine ball from Wilde and made no mistake to slot the ball past walker to complete a miserable day for the travelling Tudor faithful.