Coming into the clash with eight wins from eight, Havant’s M2 squad were brimming with confidence. But with Alton sitting third in the table, this fixture promised to be a far sterner test than the previous week.

From the first whistle Havant seized control of possession, dictating the tempo and forcing Alton onto the back foot. Clear chances were scarce early on, but relentless pressure soon paid off. A turnover high up the pitch saw Freddie Hares ghost in at the back post to tap home his seventh goal of the season.

Barely a minute later, Havant struck again. A short corner was won and Jonathan Pickett stepped up with ruthless precision, rifling the ball into the goal to double the advantage. Worsening weather conditions turned the remainder of the half into a scrappy battle. At the break, Havant held a deserved 2–0 lead.

The second half was a war of attrition as rain and wind made flowing hockey difficult. Yet Havant’s set‑piece mastery shone once more. In the 45th minute, another penalty corner was expertly converted by Pickett, his second of the day, stretching the lead to three.

Alton fought to claw their way back, forcing a couple of short corners and testing Havant keeper Finn, who produced a sharp save from open play to preserve the clean sheet. Tempers flared late on, with a player from each side shown a card, but the clock ran out before either could return.

When the final whistle blew, Havant had secured a gritty 3–0 victory. The result not only maintained their flawless record — nine wins from nine — but also kept them at the summit of the league.