Aldershot & Farnham Hockey Club’s ladies’ first team earned their second successive victory with a thrilling 4-3 win away at Brighton.

The day began bright and early, and everyone was excited to get stuck in after the 2-0 win last weekend.

The game started with a bang – early runs from the forwards and strong link-up play made for an exciting start by the Shots. One of the attacks led to a deflected shot rolling along the goalline, but no-one was there to tip it over.

Phoebe Bryant played a disguised pass through to Sacha Mullins in the midfield, who made a strong run into the D to take a shot. The ball deflected across the face of the goal for Sophie Edwards to collect and slot home to open the scoring.

The Shots’ patient build-up play led to a number of opportunities and some corners.

After a few attempts, a perfectly-placed slap by Bryant was put into the bottom right corner to double the Shots’ advantage.

Brighton came back with a couple of attempts, but good defensive teamwork in the D from the Shots and some fine saves from Lucy Cochrane kept the home side at bay.

Emily Desmond battled and won a ball from Brighton’s defence, cruised into the D and hit an early shot to put the Shots 3-0 up at half-time.

Brighton were rejuvenated in the second half.

The home side began to chip away at the Shots’ press – eventually breaking through and winning a flick. The ball was placed in the corner of the goal to bring Brighton back into the game at 3-1.

Mullins received a green card and the Shots found themselves on the back foot, with another fast breakaway by Brighton pulling the score back to 3-2.

The fight was on. Despite struggling for legs, the Shots dug in. A solid line ball from Tasmin Urquhart at the back fed through to Desmond. She passed calmly on to Mullins, and the move was finished perfectly by Charlotte Clive to make it 4-2.

Brighton responded well. After a couple of short corners, and some relentless attacking play, they scored again to make the scoreline 4-3.

The last ten minutes were nailbiting for the Shots. Brighton didn’t give up, but neither did the Shots.

The play was end-to-end until the final whistle, but the Shots held on to claim an impressive win.

The victory moved the Shots into the top half of the table.

Urquhart was named player of the match for her goal-saving tackles and distribution.