Fareham end losing streak with Moneyfields draw

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM TOWN ended their four match losing run as they played ‘local rivals’ Moneyfields FC in their latest Isthmian League South Central encounter on Saturday afternoon (October 25); eventually scoring a big late leveller to secure a two-all stalemate despite being reduced to ten men earlier in a clash that was enjoyed by a loud crowd at Cams Alders.

The hosts started quicker despite a ‘planned’ 3:30pm kick off and should have scored within just seven minutes; Jamie Johnston’s cross being met by Harvey Aston at the back post but lack of connection allowed Moneyfields to clear. This away defence then did brilliantly to deal with a succession of crosses and fast passes that ended with a shot off-target.

Moneyfields did overcome the intense pressure and nearly took the lead themselves on nineteen minutes; Loz Cooper finding space and forcing debutant keeper Charlie Searle into a good save over the crossbar. But they were not rueing missed chances as they did make it one-nil minutes later as Faris Khallouqi ran through and converted into this corner.

To their credit Fareham reacted well to this setback and equalised on their next notable attack; Josh Benfield collecting a pass and rifling it inside the near left for 1-1. But this striker went from ‘hero to zero’ after an injury stoppage when he was sent off for a high tackle, whilst Dan Bennett was then shown red from the bench for the protests against this card.

This second period began with an attempt from Tom Jeffes that was fired past the post and an effort for Casey Bartlett-Scott being easily gathered by Moneyfields goalkeeper Malachi Osei-Owusu on fifty-one minutes. Olutayo Singerr also had his shot blocked by a defender’s body as Fareham were well organised to limit an away onslaught in the final third.

Substitutions followed across both 2 teams and this appeared to switch Moneyfields into action with two rapid chances; Searle catching Jordan Pile’s low effort diving to his side and Max Smith firing over off target. Down the other end Jake Walker tried to set up a counter attack and noticed the team-mate in space but this pass was stopped to end the move.

Much of the drama was saved for stoppage time as both sides cancelled each other out until the ninety-second minute; the visitors seeing a deflected shot from Pile nestle into the far corner to spark huge celebrations at two-one. But these celebrations were ended minutes later, as Sam Paul scored a Fareham equaliser to leave it two-all for this final whistle.

Although a draw does mean that the Creeksiders sit bottom of this table after 13 games, it was a positive performance and result against in-form opponents who are fighting in the ‘play-off’ spots at this very early stage. The team will hope to take these positives into two difficult away games against Hartley Wintney (Tuesday) and Harrow next week (01/11).

PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN MEDIA: Sam Paul begins to celebrate his late equaliser in the enjoyable local derby.