Gloucester City delivered a pulsating performance at Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday, securing a thrilling 3-3 draw. Manager Daf Williams described it as the club’s “best performance of the season,” though he conceded it felt more like a defeat after conceding a last-gasp equaliser.
The visitors took an early lead when Ethan Dunbar made a surging run down the left flank and sent across a precise delivery, which Liam Cross clinically finished. Havant responded through Paul McCallum, who acrobatically converted Leon Maloney’s free-kick to level the score.
Shortly after the start of the second half, the hosts seized the lead. A clever flick from McCallum sent Ryan Seager forward, who then laid off a perfect pass to Maloney, who emphatically curled the ball into the top corner.
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Gloucester City fought back, with substitute Joe Hanks capitalising on a rebound following a saved effort by Tom Owen-Evans to restore parity. Then Ashley Hemmings put the visitors ahead with a stunning volley that ricocheted off the post and into the net-the standout goal of the match.
However, Havant refused to relent and snatched a dramatic leveller in stoppage time. Maloney once again showed his quality, curling a precise strike from the edge of the area into the bottom corner to share the spoils.
Reflecting on the game, Williams remarked, “It’s definitely our best performance of the season. I was really pleased with the overall performance; it’s the best we’ve been. But it feels a bit like a defeat.”
He added, “Both teams haven’t started the season as well as they’d like, but Havant have a quality squad and will be contenders this campaign. We’re disappointed with the first two goals-one caught in the wind from a dubious free-kick decision, and another where we were caught cold.”
Highlighting positive moments, Williams said, “It was great to see Hanksy come on and get on the scoresheet after a tough period for him and his family. Hemmo’s strike was unbelievable and shows what he’s capable of. James Waite was outstanding, and the entire team performed well.
“The substitutes made a real impact, and I feel like we’re building momentum. After a challenging start, we’ve picked up two away points and a home win with a clean sheet recently, so there’s plenty to be positive about.”
Williams also expressed gratitude for the travelling supporters. “We had fantastic support again, which we really appreciate given the long journey.”
Gloucester City starting lineup: Thompson; Thomas (Owen-Evans 78), Nugent, O’Regan, Lewis; E Williams, Waite, Cross (Leadbitter 87), Dunbar; H Williams (Hanks 78), Hemmings.
Unused substitutes: Evans, Emmett.