ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 5, HAMBLE 1

NOTHING helps settle the nerves like an early goal and Aldershot & Farnham needed a lift after last week’s first defeat of the season.

The result against Salisbury sent shockwaves through the first-team squad, the loss halting an unbeaten run stretching back to the last game of the 2016/17 season when they were pipped to the Hampshire 2 title by Bournemouth.

There was a real risk that a rare defeat would unsettle the Hampshire 1 leaders, with the very same Bournemouth team breathing down their necks, just two points behind.

So it was a great relief when Aaron Buchanan, who has made a career from hassling defenders, stole the ball on the left flank and drove goalwards before slipping it through to the fast-advancing Rob Jervis who slotted past the keeper.

The early strike put Hamble on the back foot and a second goal soon followed as A&F took control.

Ollie Yelland forcing a defensive error and Joe Whelan beat three men in a sweeping run. With Marc Hinton riding shotgun, Whelan changed angle to leave the keeper floundering and set up Hinton for an easy finish.

As the Farnham side continued to push forward, Hamble began to lose their cool and the short corners mounted up, allowing Hinton to find his range.

One drag-flick looked to be going just wide, but the experienced Andy Chadwick anticipated well to deflect the ball into the back of the net.

Further pressure forced more desperate measures from the Hamble rearguard and a dangerous lunge cost them a penalty flick and a man to the sin-bin. Hinton, having won the flick, dispatched it and the score was 4-0 at half-time.

A&F lost some momentum in the second half as Hamble gamely tried to get something from the game. The home side defended well most of the time, but a potential clean sheet for Hamish Hall was snatched away when Charlie Rickett failed to get out in time at a short corner and the ball was whipped into the bottom corner.

The result was never in doubt, though. Both teams tired towards the end, but A&F’s technique did not desert them and their fifth and final goal was a classy affair. The ball was transferred swiftly from defence to midfield and after four passes, Chadwick was sweeping the ball under the keeper on his reverse.

A good day for Aldershot & Farnham got even better when the news came in that Bournemouth had drawn 2-2 against Yateley. A&F’s lead increases to a crucial four points.