ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 1, YATELEY 0

WITH only a one-point lead at the top of the Hampshire Women’s Hockey League, this was a must-win game for Aldershot & Farnham against fifth-placed Yateley.

A&F were under pressure at first and struggled to settle into the game. After ten minutes, however, they began to play with their usual composure and held Yateley inside their own half for long periods, gaining multiple short corners, but failing to convert.

Yateley’s breakaway attacks were efficiently dealt with by the Aldershot defence and retreating midfield and it was still goalless at half-time.

A&F started the second half attacking strongly down both flanks, but a goal remained elusive and only ten minutes remained when the leaders at last made the breakthrough.

From another short corner, the ball was injected smoothly and Di Taylor’s straight strike from the top of the D found the bottom right-hand corner.

A&F ran the clock down professionally, although Evie Kenna managed to pick up a green card for expressing her frustration with the umpires.

Aldershot & Farnham visit struggling Alton this Saturday. They host third-placed Winchester on April 1 and finally, in a potential showdown for the league title, they visit Woolmer Hill to meet Haslemere on April 8.