Fareham teen scores maiden EHL goal

Phil Larcombe [The News]

​Sixteen year old Philip Larcombe celebrated his maiden National League goal as Fareham tried in vain to wipe out Southgate’s commanding second half South Division 1 lead.
An hour-plus gone and Fareham were trailing 3-0 when Larcombe and Martin Gough clawed the visitors back into the contest – only for Southgate to convert a penalty corner in the dying stages and run out 4-2 winners.
A goal down to Tim Smyth’s 25th minute strike, Fareham were on the brink of going under when Charlie Hamilton and Alex Williams stretched Southgate’s lead to 3-0.
Fareham head coach Ben Barnes reflected: “We were unlucky to be 3-0 down and had our chances. “We fought hard to get it back to 3-2 but they scored a scrappy fourth goal to put a gloss on it for them.”
Although they lost, Barnes was pleased with the way Fareham played.
“It was a much better performance (than the 6-0 defeat by Sevenoaks). We were without Rory Penrose and Alex Boxall and had to reshape our midfield, but I was pleased with the way we battled and how we played.
“Our forwards worked much harder as a unit this week and it was good having Will Raymond (back from Cardiff & Met) in the squad. 
“If we show more of the same spirit and fight for each other I fancy results will start going in our favour.”