SOUTHAMPTON UNI II 4, ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 4

ALDERSHOT & Farnham were aiming to extend their six-game winning streak in Hampshire 2, but only salvaged a point with the final strike of an eventful match at Wide Lane.

On a heavy pitch, against a young and energetic Southampton University side, the A&F defenders struggled to take control, while the forwards and midfielders lacked their usual early hunger.

Southampton launched a series of high balls against the low sun, giving them much of the early pressure, and they took the lead from a short corner.

In what would turn into a battle of the set-pieces, a slip by Ed Rushmere led to another short corner and this time the ball cannoned off the crossbar, defender and keeper to trickle over the line.

At the other end, an Ian Metcalfe cross was somehow kept out at the back post, but goals did eventually come – a brace from Ian Jennings who again showed his value at the set-piece, flicking in low shots from short corners.

A&F moved up a gear in the second half, with the forwards chasing down and dispossessing the Southampton defence on several occasions. However, the key moments were decisions by the officials.

Charlie Rickett received a green card for time-wasting and while A&F were making defensive changes, Southampton scored after a free hit.

Aldershot replied with a nice short-corner deflection from Ross Ferguson, while under pressure from the keeper. Another card followed for Aaron Buchanan for a push. Southampton promptly attacked the top of the D and a strong shot found the roof of the net. Although apparently struck from outside the area, it was given as a goal.

Trailing 3-4 with five minutes to go, A&F dug deep to avoid their first loss of the season. With the final seconds ticking down, George Rooke won a short corner which was bundled home by Metcalfe in the final action of the game.

A&F: Wilkie, E Rushmere, Rickett, Brown, Edwards, Buchanan, Jervis, Hurley, Rooke, Jennings, Metcalfe, Ferguson, Coote. Strachan, Straker, P Rushmere.