Aldershot & Farnham Men’s 1st team recorded a much needed and morale boosting victory over Bournemouth 2’s coming back from 3-1 down at half-time to win 4-3.

Still deep in relegation trouble, the win in a highly entertaining encounter gives A&F hope and confidence ahead of this week’s tie at fellow strugglers, Gillingham.

Familiar errors were costing A&F early in the game, surrendering possession too easily to a Bournemouth side who pressed well. A&F were not reacting quickly enough to turnover, and the visitors made them pay with two goals, the second of which was firmly struck from top right of the circle with the A&F defence all at sea.

A&F did respond well though and looked threatening gong forward. Captain Aaron Buchanan pulled a goal back with a well-placed short corner deflection and moments later Charlie Dews was agonisingly close to levelling it up in a desperate attempt at the far post following a flowing move.

A set-back though, as A&F allowed a soft short corner in just before the break. Despite being two goals down, A&F thought they had shown enough in the first half to retain belief they could get something from the game.

A&F’s defence gradually started to look more at ease. With a shortage of defensive players A&F have had to make some personnel changes to the back line to shore things up. Both James Huggins and Josh Frost have moved from forward positions into defence to good effect. Midfielder, Phil Rushmere has taken responsibility at sweeper along-side promising fourteen-year-old Nathan Stanley.

Injector, Alan Coote flicked into the net at a short corner to make it 3-2. Reward for an excellent display at centre midfield. Midway through the second half, Stu Morhall approaching top right of the ‘D played a ball into the circle, which Ian Metcalfe with back to goal cleverly deflected in for the equaliser.

Bournemouth were still creating chances for themselves. Mark Edgley in goal having to react quickly on a few occasions, whilst twice balls across the face of goal presented Bournemouth with golden opportunities that went begging. Similarly, Harry Johnson missed a great chance at the back post for A&F.

Max Long, another to impress in the game, scored the winner from a short corner with four minutes to play. Not the cleanest of efforts, but the pressure A&F exerted told.