ANDOVER 1, HASLEMERE 3

THREE points at Andover were a must for championship contenders Haslemere Ladies and their efficient performance brought them within striking distance of Hampshire League leaders Aldershot & Farnham who were held to a draw by Trojans.

From the first whistle, a fired-up Haslemere moved the ball well, worked hard and had much of the possession. However, some untidy tackles resulted in early cards and both sides were depleted for periods of the game.

Some fine interplay from the midfield resulted in two attacking short corners for Haslemere and Sarah Elworthy converted one of them to put the visitors in front.

Andover were quick on the break and looked dangerous, but the Haslemere defence stood firm with a series of vital tackles and interceptions.

After prolonged pressure from Haslemere and numerous shots on goal, Heidi Wells cleaned up a saved shot from Lucy Brownrigg’s initial strike to make it 2-0.

It remained that way until midway through the second half when a through-ball from the back found its way to Wells up front. Unmarked and with only the goalkeeper in her sights, she kept her composure, drew the keeper and calmly slotted the ball into the corner.

Andover upped their game in response and a spell of pressure resulted in a short-corner goal, pulling it back to 3-1.

The last ten minutes were fast-paced and scrappy. Some excellent game management by the back line and then from Donna Read up front enabled Haslemere to run the clock down quite comfortably.