WINCHESTER III 1, ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 5

ALDERSHOT & Farnham were coming off the back of their first win of the season in Hampshire 2, while Winchester were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Bournemouth.

But A&F were not to be denied a second win and, five games into the season, they remain unbeaten.

From the start, the visitors pressed high up the pitch. Intelligent running by forwards Jackson Brown and Ian Metcalfe made life tough for defenders and the pressure resulted in several short corners.

Chris Edwards eventually got a handle on the playing surface to control passes from the injector and allow Ian Jennings to find his range from the top of the D.

But the Winchester defence held firm, sitting deep and soaking up the attacks before looking to counter-attack. This tactic paid dividends and a swift breakout and clinical finish saw the city side take the lead.

The game seemed to be in the balance at half-time and A&F faced a mental test in the second period. Winchester again sat deep, allowing space for the Aldershot defenders to get the ball round the back and probe for gaps.

Max Heaphy and Rob Jervis raided down the flanks and delivered dangerous balls into the area. Again, A&F were rewarded with short corners and their routine at last clicked.

Edwards controlled the ball nicely and Jennings netted a fine drag shot for the equaliser.

Another short corner quickly followed and Jennings powered the ball into the exact same spot to put the visitors in front.

Winchester changed tactics, throwing high aerial balls in the hope of bypassing the A&F back line. But Heaphy intercepted one and sent Aaron Buchanan driving forward. His momentum took him past the two centre-backs and he got lucky with the bounce to beat the keeper, the ball creeping over the line.

Not pretty, but his side were not complaining.

With Winchester heads starting to drop. Jonny Groves’ tenacious and tireless play provided a platform for the Farnham midfield to pour forward. And Groves’ work was rewarded as he took the ball off the left-back’s stick before calmly slotting into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Brown, on fine scoring form, was not going to miss out on the action and added the fifth goal after a swift passing move with fellow forwards Metcalfe and Buchanan.

Aldershot & Farnham host Chichester at Heath End this Saturday, hoping to make it six games unbeaten.

A&F?squad: Wilkie, E Rushmere, Strachan, Rickett, Straker, Edwards, P Rushmere, Coote, Jervis, Heaphy, Jennings, Brown, Groves, Metcalfe, Buchanan.