BOURNEMOUTH II 0, ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 2

ALDERSHOT & Farnham, who had effectively sealed the league title with last week’s win, thanks to a vastly superior goal difference, made absolutely certain by beating second-placed Bournemouth II in their penultimate fixture.

On the pitch where Bournemouth had pipped A&F for the Division Two title last season, A&F took sweet revenge. Bournemouth now face a play-off against the Surrey League winners to see if they can join A&F in Hants/Surrey Regional 2 next season.

With coach Ian Jennings calling for an aggressive press, A&F started on the front foot and an early short corner was won by Ollie Yelland who then calmly slotted in at the far post.

Bournemouth struggled to find momentum – Kevin McCafferty, as ever, made a nuisance of himself in central midfield – and resorted to long balls that were usually intercepted by Charlie Rickett, the A&F skipper and sweeper.

The hosts eventually did get a foothold on the game and it was Aldershot’s turn to struggle against a high press. Jamie Weston strove to relieve the pressure with a series of aerial clearances and Joe Whelan showed some enterprising bursts of skill and pace, but by and large the game was being played out in the A&F half.

The Farnham side kept their discipline, though. Aaron Buchanan was unlucky to pick up a green card, but the leaders showed the resolute defence that has defined them this season.

Crunching but clean tackles by wide halves Chris Edwards and Ed Rushmere underlined the team’s determination. A&F were hanging in there.

Then, with ten minutes left, Ian Metcalfe mugged the centre-back, only to see his shot deflected just wide. This sudden threat rejuvenated A&F.

A ball from deep and across the D by Edwards picked out a good run by Metcalfe, but he and Buchanan were unable to take the chance between them.

Moments later, a split defensive platform opened up the left flank, with Phil Rushmere moving the ball on to Rob Jervis. A pass inside set up top scorer Marc Hinton. The keeper saved, but Jervis collected the ball off his pads and drilled home the killer second goal.

A&F close their triumphant league season at home to Trojans on April 7.

A&F: Hall, Edwards, Weston, Rickett, E Rushmere, Whelan, McCafferty, P Rushmere, Yelland, Metcalfe, Hinton, Jervis, Buchanan.