ALDERSHOT & F 3, CHICHESTER III 0

A THIRD consecutive league victory moved Aldershot & Farnham to within four points of the Hampshire 2 leaders.

But a nervy, end-to-end encounter was not reflected by the 3-0 scoreline. A&F had been dominant in their previous two wins, but were not able to settle into their rhythm here.

From the first whistle, it was clear that A&F were lacking their usual spark and although early pressure led to a string of corners for the home side, Chichester were also seeing their fair share of the action.

Ian Jennings gave Aldershot the lead from a short corner, his hard-driven shot clipping the inside of the post before nestling in the back of the goal.

A string of chances followed for both teams, created mostly through breakdowns in play, but neither could capitalise.

A pivotal moment followed on the half-hour when Charlie Rickett fired a low drive into the crowded area and the ball lifted off a stick to strike Ian Metcalfe on the side of the head. A blooded Metcalfe had to retire, depriving A&F of their in-form striker.

Towards half-time, Chichester were in constant dispute with the match officials, earning them the first of several cards.

A&F took their slender lead into the break and came out strongly, looking to capitalise on their unsettled opponents.

Straight from the push-back, Aldershot moved the ball up the right and across goal, only for the final shot to sail wide. Typically of this game, Chichester immediately counter-attacked and almost scored from another short corner.

Although generally in the driving seat, the Farnham side seldom looked like scoring and Chichester took advantage of this lack of urgency in the final third, pressing down the flanks and forcing several short corners.

The home side were resolute in defence, putting their bodies on the line to deny Chichester a way back. Chris Edwards was particularly solid, often stealing the ball in dangerous positions and providing a fine outlet down the right.

Eventually, A&F’s quality saw them through and Jennings completed his hat-trick with two more short-corner strikes.

Meanwhile, A&F and keeper Andy Wilkie kept Chichester’s corner routine at bay, earning them their second clean sheet of the season.

Aldershot & F squad: Wilkie, E Rushmere, Strachan, Rickett, Edwards, Straker, P Rushmere, Coote, Jervis, Heaphy, Rooke, Jennings, Groves, Metcalfe, Buchanan, Yelland.