Tom Lovelock cut a figure of modesty after his exemplary goalkeeping display secured all three points for United on Tuesday night.

Jessie Reindorf had given United a first half lead against Havant & Waterlooville with a deft header, but the hosts could not build on the slender advantage.

With 20 minutes left, Havant stepped up the pace and ran the United back-line ragged, but they could not get past Lovelock, who produced a string of world class saves to preserve United’s first points of the Vanarama Conference South season.

However, the 21-year-old played down his heroics.

“It was one of those days where the ball just hits you and the saves come off,” he said.

“It is part of goalkeeping, it is what we’re meant to do.

“I did not know much about the first save, I just flicked a hand out and tipped it over.

“My favourite was when the striker got through about six yards out and I just spread myself as wide as possible, it hit my knee and it flew away.”

United are without a game this weekend due to Salisbury’s expulsion, putting added significance on Tuesday’s win.

Lovelock said: “The three points are massive, especially after losing to Maidenhead [2-1] last weekend.

“We’re in high spirits going into the next game.”