THESE local rivals had played out a thrilling 3-3 draw earlier in the season, but Haslemere won Saturday's return match much more emphatically than the score suggests.

Although it was one goal apiece at half-time, Haslemere 'keeper Dan Hollyman hardly had a save to make in the second period as Aldershot & Farnham's game went into sharp decline.

A&F had never thrown in the towel during their previous five defeats on the bounce, but their heads dropped this time.

With bottom side Blandford suddenly, and mysteriously, putting some results together at the bottom of the table, Petersfield – 4-1 losers at Wimborne – and A&F find themselves under intense pressure in the battle to avoid relegation.

A&F and Haslemere had found points hard to come by in recent weeks and there was much more than just local pride at stake at the Heath End School Astro.

Haslemere had most of the early play and midfielders Roberts, Stokes and Agace were able to supply Marchant and young wingers Jones and Holland with some early opportunities.

But it was Aldershot, true to form, who opened the scoring, catching their visitors out with a swift breakaway move. Brett Smith and Graham Charlesworth both played 30-metre passes to send Gary Bagnall clear. Hollyman missed his clearance and Bagnall regained control to walk the ball into the goal.

However, Haslemere remained the dominant side and Stokes and Marchant were both denied by the woodwork before they equalised, Chris Holland pouncing on the rebound after a short corner.

The middle third of the match was rather a frustrating affair, particularly for Haslemere who were denied by poor finishing and some excellent goalkeeping by Matt Robinson.

Haslemere made the vital breakthrough when a fierce shot from James Agace deflected off a defender's foot into the roof of the net.

Some neat stickwork from Alistair Leather down the left brought the final short corner of the game and again a goal resulted from the rebound, with Guy Jones providing the finishing touch.

A much-needed victory for the Blues who entertain Fleet at Woolmer Hill this Saturday (3pm). A&F travel to Southampton and Petersfield are home to Yateley.

Aldershot & F: Robinson, Jenkins, Edwards, Jervis, Hales, Groves, Smith, Willis, Charlesworth, Bagnall, Goddard, Bibby, Gregory.

Haslemere: Hollyman, Mayson, Cash, Berry, South, Stokes, Roberts, Agace, Marchant, Leather, Holland, Jones.