Aldershot & Farnham 2, Andover 1

Aldershot & Farnham defeated top-of-the-table Andover in a tightly-contested match at Heath End on Saturday.

It was a typically resolute, hard working yet disciplined performance from Ian Jennings’ A&F side as Andover struggled to carve out openings throughout.

A&F took the lead midway through the first half when they won a penalty flick from their first short corner. The corner was won by a mazy run into the ‘D’ by Rob Jervis. Jamie Weston’s drag to the right-hand post was met by Andrew Simmons who deflected the ball at goal only for it to be stopped by a defender’s foot. Weston stepped up and calmy slotted home the penalty stroke.

The Aldershot and Farnham midfield linked up well and there were impressive displays from Simmons at centre back and Ewan Hammond at left back, who is offering A&F more going forward each week.

Andover found an equaliser midway through the second half when they turned over possession and completed a neat passing move in the ‘D’.

Both teams then looked for the winner but Aldershot & Farnham were held back by a debatable yellow card given to Ian Metcalfe when trying to score at a short corner.

But A&F scored what proved to be the winner from their next corner. Jonny Groves won the corner after working hard to win the ball back and the corner was scored by Simmons whose deflection this time went straight in to the Andover net.

Andover, who also had a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, did threaten A&F with a couple of attempts flashing just wide of either post. But the hosts held out for the final few minutes despite losing Luke Powell for a sliding tackle.

Aldershot & Farnham: Wilkie, Hammond, Weston, Simmons, E Rushmere, Jervis, Thompson, P Rushmere, Whelan, Groves, Metcalfe, Buchanan, Long, Powell.