ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 1, WANDERERS 2

UP against high-riding Wanderers in their penultimate fixture of the season, Aldershot & Farnham Ladies were determined to show they belong in the high-grade Women’s South League.

Promoted last season, A&F arrived with a full squad of 15 and, after an intense warm-up, began strongly, moving the ball around with pace and intention.

Some good phases of play kept the pressure on the Wanderers defence, but the visitors held strong. Then, 19 minutes in, Aldershot won a short corner for a foot in the D and Lulu Herring put them in front with a shot that bobbled kindly to beat the goalkeeper.

However, the lead lasted just five minutes. A&F defended valiantly until conceding during a brief melee in the circle.

The Farnham side had performed well in the first half, competing toe-to-toe with opponents destined to finish second behind champions Guildford.

A&F continued to work hard, passing the ball around nicely and making foraging runs into the D.

A number of close decisions didn’t go their way, but they remained resilient and continued to hold their own against formidable opponents.

Aldershot would have merited a draw, but, 60 minutes in, a clearance from defence didn’t go far enough and Wanderers worked the ball cleverly to score the winner, the signal for a raucous celebration.

It was not to be for A&F, but they deserve credit for the commitment and work-rate they showed throughout the game.

Birthday girl Louise Laws was named A&F’s player of the match.

A re-arranged home fixture against Fareham on April 7 will close the season for Aldershot & Farnham.

A&F Ladies 2nd XI moved above Alton into second place in Hampshire Division Two after beating Fleet & Ewshot 7-4 and Basingstoke III 2-0 in the space of two days.

Alton can regain second spot in the division if they beat Hamble in their final game.