Winchester 2’s scored a winner in the penultimate minute against Aldershot & Farnham at Kings’ School.

A&F were frustrated not to have taken any points from the game but ultimately missed chances and the concession of too many short corners cost them.

Winchester started the brightest and opened the scoring with a short corner worked to the left and then flicked home.
A&F began to build rhythm, growing into the game as the first half wore on. Jamie Finlayson was a good outlet at right back and was able to press forward.

Chances started to come, youngster Howie Fraser doing brilliantly on the left wing to beat two players and break into the ‘D, but a square pass may have served better than an attempt at goal.

A popped ball into the ‘D put Harry Johnson in for a one on one, but he tamely pushed the ball into the ‘keepers’ pads. Stu Morhall had a fierce strike excellently saved by the young Winchester goalie.

With A&F now firmly knocking on the ‘D, Morhall and Coote combined excellently on a one-two that saw Morhall meet the return ball with real intent and lift into the net for the equaliser just before the break.

A&F did well to restrict Winchester from open play, but the home side did force several short corners. They restored their lead from one with a patient and well worked routine.

Coote the played in Aaron Buchanan for a one-on-one and although he rounded the goalkeeper his goal attempt lacked power with a recovering Winchester defender able to get back. The defenders attempt to save ended with the ball touching his foot and a penalty stroke awarded. Ian Metcalfe took the flick, but it lacked conviction and the goalkeeper moved across to make the save.

Winchester were twice reduced to ten men with yellow cards for poor challenges and A&F remained positive. A belligerent run across the top of the ‘D by Buchanan saw him skip past defenders and fire the ball towards the near post. Metcalfe deflected, the goalkeeper saved, but Metcalfe was able to shovel high into the net on the reverse to level the game up.

Captain Jonny Groves found himself with a great opportunity to put A&F ahead for the first time but couldn’t find the finish, and then with 90 seconds remaining, Chris Edwards went to ground attempting a tackle just outside the ‘D. From the resultant corner Winchester scored the winner.

A&F; Edgley, Finlayson, P.Rushmere, M.Smith, Stanley, Morhall, Coote, Buchanan, Metcalfe, Groves, Fraser, Edwards, Johnson