Aldershot & Farnham Men’s 1st team were blown away in the first half by second placed Chichester 2’s and despite a strong comeback were ultimately defeated 4-2 in the driving rain at Heath End.

It was all too easy for Chichester to break through the A&F midfield and defence to create openings. They scored within the first five minutes with a simple tap-in and ten minutes later were two goals to the good when the forward had plenty of time and space to strike from the top of the circle.

A&F came close to replying when Max Long played a delightful ball inside the full back but Ian Metcalfe’s deflection was saved from close range. George Bretten also managed to get a strong strike away that was well saved as going forward A&F did cause a threat.

Chichester were physically strong and zipped the ball around efficiently. They scored their third goal from a short corner. Will Hall made a fine stop from the initial drag but the ball deflected into captain Aaron Buchanan’s unmentionables and into the goal! Another strike followed to give Chichester a very healthy 4-0 lead.

A&F did strike back before half time, Jonny Groves steering the ball in at a short corner.

Hall was very busy in the A&F goal, and he continued to make a string of excellent saves in the second half, but A&F improved. Chris Edwards moved into the centre of defence which gave A&F a better platform and organisation and as they tightened up in defence, they too started pressing Chichester harder.

Twice Metcalfe robbed the last defender near the halfway line to set himself through on goal but on both occasions couldn’t beat the ‘keeper. Harry Johnson was making good circle entries on the right-hand side, and he won the short corner from which A&F scored their second goal. Long again picking out his man, as this time Alan Coote scored with a composed flicked finish.

A&F continued to press but were unable to make further inroads into the deficit.