Havering Men's 2's faced off against the league-leading Chelmsford Men's 4's at Campion, under conditions that could only be described as nearly unplayable. With fierce winds and torrential, squall-like rain making the 7-degree temperature feel like -3, the pitch had minor puddles but the match proceeded. Havering, determined to right the ship after a tight one-goal loss at Maldon and facing their second top-three opponent in consecutive weeks, was ready for the challenge.

The game started with some uncharacteristic sloppy passing from Havering, resulting in several turnovers and counter attacks from Chelmsford, who seemed to find a spare man in the middle as the Havering midfield struggled in the initial spell. Havering withstood two early penalty corners, but the consistent Chelmsford pressure eventually led to a foot race between forward and Havering Keeper, Paul Afteni, won by the forward, who slipped to the outside and found the backboard.

The Chelmsford pressure continued and they quickly found a second, but not before a spectacular double save from Afteni, saving at the near post then pivoting and getting down to the far post, saving with stick and bruising some ribs in the process.

Sadly the ball could not be cleared and the wet, slippery surface meant Afteni could not find his feet for the follow up. Afteni still almost saved, but the ball just crept under the stick for a 2 goal lead.

Somewhat contrary to the match scenario, Havering settled and began to play which much more fluency, swinging the possession and territory advantage their way.

With just 10 minutes remaining in the half, Ollie Hinton reduced the deficit for Havering, capitalising on a laser-guided pass from Ryan Lee during a penalty corner, securing yet another assist for the captain.

Buoyed by the goal, Havering leveled the score right before halftime. The play began with Ryan Lee's exceptional work, delivering a killer pass to Sam Green. Green, in a moment of unselfish play, laid it off to Michael Hinton, who rounded the keeper and finished with finesse.

At half time, the team felt that the game was winnable and they retook the field with vigour. The performance level did not drop and Havering successfully repelled a succession of penalty porners via the combined efforts of Afteni and centre back Jack Harding to maintain parity.

Ollie Hinton and Green did some solid work in turning over ball in midfield and sparking counter attacks, as the momentum again swung to Havering. This resulted in a penalty flick to Havering following multiple consecutive barges on Ollie Hinton from the short corners.

After witnessing two earlier unsuccessful attempts by teammates this season, Lee stepped up to take charge, embodying true captaincy. Despite this writer's initial skepticism, Lee proved everyone wrong by calmly rolling the ball down the middle, deceiving the goalkeeper "with his eyes" for a crucial conversion.

Havering then continued the attack, looking for a killer fourth goal, with Matthew Kennedy seemingly thinking that the game had seconds to go and taking it to the corner to run the clock down….with 12 minutes to play.

Chelmsford regained the initiative, via skilful counter attacks, Afteni twice having to run to the top of the D and slide-clear two through balls with the striker bearing down.

A further succession of penalty corners came, with Havering again keeping Chelmsford at bay. Finally, a penalty corner was awarded, with Havering having little choice but to concede the PC than allow a two on one opportunity. The initial PC was saved, but hit a Havering foot on the way out of the D, resulting in a further PC award and the final whistle.

Afteni made the initial save but Havering failed to clear the D and Chelmsford swept the ball to the far side for their forward to sweep home with an unstoppable, perfectly placed shot to equalise with the last hit of the game.

Havering lamented the latest in a number of final hit goals conceded this season from penalty corners, even more so given they had robustly defended so many during the match, but ultimately, a draw against top of the league before the mid-season break has to be regarded as a good result. It was a very strong team performance to be proud of against good opposition.

Havering will face Basildon, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the league table, in their first match after the winter break. Havering aims to regain momentum and climb the standings after enduring a challenging series of games.