Perfect Ten

The season could well be defined by this week that has seen two more league victories that must now surely make them favourites for promotion, and a semi-final win in the Sussex Senior Cup, against much fancied Worthing.

With so many games in such a short time, Saunders sensibly shuffled his squad of players once again, giving young Callum Saunders a place in the starting eleven. He then rewarded the manager with a well taken hat-trick.

On a chilly night, Haven literally caught the visitors cold with the opening goal within two minutes. Craig Richards met a free kick with a solid header, giving Elliott Flack in the Crawley goal no chance.

At this point it looked like the flood gates would open, but Crawley to their credit were spirited enough, to keep Haven at bay until just before half time.

The referee allowed the advantage from a disputed handball in the Crawley box, and Tom Lawley duly capitalised with the second goal.

The second half was a much more one sided affair with Haven totally dominating proceedings, and almost scoring at will.

Put through on goal, recent loan signing Sam Gargan steadied himself, and then placed his shot beyond the despairing keeper for 3-0.

The fourth goal was a reward for persistence. Jamie Brotherton played Steve Metcalf in, but his shot hit the far post. The rebound was gratefully accepted by second half substitute James Hammond, who tapped in from close range.

Crawley’s Miles Mitchell was then adjudged guilty of handling the ball on the line, and maybe harshly was given a red card. The resulting penalty was calmly dispatched by Saunders.

Goal of the game by some distance was the sixth. From outside of the penalty area, Saunders volleyed over the keeper and just under the bar.

By now Haven were running rampant. A nod on from Gargan found Brotherton running through. His first time shot went under the keeper for 7-0.

Saunders’ corner in the 85th minute was headed home by another substitute Wes Millis, but Haven were not finished yet.

From a Saunders cross on the right, captain Ash Jones slotted past the unlucky Flack.

Just before the final whistle, Brotherton fed Metcalf whose initial effort was well saved. From the deflection on the by-line, he then set up Saunders who completed his hat-trick.

Report by Michael Burnage