Poole had a great opportunity to take the lead within the first minute when Ramos picked up a loose ball and surged towards goal. Rather than shooting he decided to cut the ball across the box but a defender managed to cut out the danger.

Havant & Waterlooville countered with a couple of chances – a shot deflecting to Plain with a cross deflecting just wide of the back post off a Poole defender. They then saw a shot hit the post but ruled offside. Ramos then played a lovely ball from the left but evaded Holmes’ sliding body. Poole then won a penalty with Clarke drawing the foul. McCarthy stepped up but placed for an easy save once Dudzinski guessed the right way.

The game continued at a fast pace with end to end action despite the atrocious weather. Plain made a good save from Sidwell from the edge of the box. McNerney saw his header cleared off the line before Plain’s quick reactions prevented Seager getting in for a good chance. An entertaining half with chances for both sides but the best 2 falling to Poole.

The second half did not match the tempo of the first half. Poole seemed more in control but chances were limited. On 54 minutes Maloney had a good chance but dragged his shot just wide. For Poole Hewlett saw his shot deflected wide. A nice move down the left presented another chance for Hewlett but he fired just wide again. A foul just outside the Poole box saw Thomas given a red as last man.

Maloney fired the free kick just wide. Havant took advantage of the extra man with Austin fouled just inside the box. Bradbury fired his penalty down the middle to give Havant the lead on 85 minutes. Poole were unable to respond, falling to their third league defeat of the campaign.

A very frustrating evening – Poole did not deserve to lose but failed to convert their chances. Lack of goals must now be a huge concern.