ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 2, HASLEMERE II 0

GOALS from Ollie Yelland and Marc Hinton saw Hampshire 1 leaders Aldershot & Farnham through in a close-fought game against struggling Haslemere II.

A&F failed to make headway in the first half in the blustery conditions, despite Hinton making early inroads down the left flank, leading to a sequence of corners and intense pressure.

Kevin McCafferty and Phil Rushmere worked hard through the centre to snuff out Haslemere’s attacks, but Aldershot also struggled to find a breakthrough.

A diving Hinton missed a hard-driven cross by inches and after another raid down the left, Hinton’s strike was well saved by the keeper at full stretch.

Further fine keeping frustrated A&F and then Max Heaphy, apparently a victim of mistaken identity, received a green card for dissent.

Haslemere threatened as the half drew to a close and Ed Rushmere cleared a looping shot high above his shoulder before later missing a tackle, leading to a strike from the top of the D which whistled wide of the post.

So it was goalless at half-time and A&F, although in confident mood after three straight wins, needed to keep their discipline if they were to secure the points.

The home side immediately pressed and scored from a short corner. Hinton’s flick was going wide, but the ball deflected in off a defender and the goal was given after a consultation by the officials.

Defender Jamie Strachan was then sin-binned for diving when it looked more like a slip on the wet pitch.

Aldershot reacted well and despite further greens for McCafferty and Jonny Groves for minor infringements, held firm, with Jamie Weston earning the man-of-the-match accolade with a strong display in the centre of defence.

An interception by Chris Edwards led to a clinical passing sequence from the back, but a lunging Rob Jervis just failed to reach the final ball at the back post.

The second goal eventually arrived, though. More good work in midfield earned a corner that was fired toward goal and a jubilant Yelland deflected the ball past the valiant keeper.

Aldershot & Farnham played more than a third of the game with 10 men, but showed persistence and strength to maintain their 100 per cent record.

This Saturday, A&F host Salisbury – narrow winners against Southampton University – at Heath End School.