BEavers withstand Hawks attack to secure point (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Beavers withstand Hawks attack to secure point

5:38pm Monday 30th January 2012 in Hampton and Richmond By Rob Overfield

On a dreary, dank day at Westleigh Park, the Beavers twice took the lead but couldn't hold on to their lead, despite the introduction of legend Darren Powell in the second half, writes Rob Overfield.

With half an eye on Tuesday's FA Trophy second round replay, Mark Harper rested James Simmonds, bringing in Tobi Alabi for his first start, club captain Matt Ruby returned alongside Dean Inman, leaving a space on the bench for the returning Darren Powell.

These changes gave the team a solid 4-4-2 formation against a Hawks team that was looking for a result of their own.

The game got off to the best possible start for the Beavers, in the second minute as they made space down the Hawks left, leaving Tobi Alabi to find Dave Tarpey in the area, his shot curling perfectly around Beasely to stun the home fans.

However, the Hawks could have levelled the score in the nineth minute as Dean Inman was adjudged by referee Harris to have brought down Jake Newton in the box under minimal contact.

Steve Ramsey stepped up to take the kick, but he could only crash it onto the underside of the bar, as there was no Russian linesman to award the goal, the ball came back out; Ramsey was then penalised for playing the ball from the rebound, Ross not having laid a finger on it.

The Hawks then began to apply the pressure as first Pearce headed wide from a Ramsey free kick; the same provider then landed another free kick on the roof of the net.

The equaliser wasn't long in coming, and on 35 minutes, a Jones chip flew over Inman and Ramsey beat him for pace to bury the ball past Craig Ross.

The Beavers were only able to make sporadic threats, a Karle Andrews header was easily saved by Beasely immediately after the equaliser; the hosts nearly snatched a deserved lead just prior to the break as Chris Arthur's flick was turned aside by Ross after Ramsey's shot was deflected.

Apart from a Nathan Collier shot in the opening seconds, the Beavers couldn't get forward as the Hawks kept up the pressure, nearly taking advantage of a long throw by ex-Beaver Jon McDonald, which went past Lewis Ferrell, leaving newly introduced Ollie Palmer with an chance he could only screw wide.

Pearce then lifted the easiest of chances over the bar after he'd gathered the ball from a rebound off Nathan Collier, but on his weaker foot, that was always more likely.

Just after the hour, the Beavers goal continued its charmed life as 25 yard Ramsey drive flew past Ross, shook the post, but the sliding Jones misjudged his run and the ball flew behind him and was cleared.

Havant were dominant and Craig Ross had to be alert as Jones tried to nod home a wicked corner, but he stood tall and blocked the ball away, which after a scramble was cleared.

The next goal looked likeliest to fall to the Hawks, but the Beavers didn't read that script as Dave Tarpey gained a corner on 72 minutes, after a run down the left flank.

His perfectly targeted inswinger was met at the back post by an unmarked Tobi Alabi, his placed header beat Beasely to send the travelling support into joy and the home fans into dismay.

The lead didn't last long as on 76 minutes, Holland timed his run perfectly to meet a Ramsey corner, the header gave Ross no chance, such was its power and placement.

Ramsey was proving to be a thorn in the Beavers side; a snap shot three minutes later saw Ross having to move smartly to his near post to grab the ball by his right hand post.

The Beavers had to withstand pressure right to the final whistle, but marshalled by Ruby and Powell, who despite lack of match fitness, demonstrated his experience and abilities time and again, to ensure the Beavers earned a point that Hawks fans probably felt they didn't deserve.

Team: Ross, Ferrell, Blake, Inman (Powell 46), Ruby (c), Huggins, Collier, Andrews, Tarpey, Alabi (Moone 81), James.

Subs: Johnson, Simmonds, Beadle.

Bookings: Huggins (22), Collier (63).

ATT: 645