(Wessex League Division 1)

Despite the result, an encouraging display by Spurs against unbeaten league leaders Fawley

The game started off at a cracking pace, and Danny Harrison marked his Spurs debut with a goal after two minutes, hammering home a loose ball following a Tom Chillery free-kick.  Spurs lead only lasted two minutes, James Fry equalising with a magnificent shot after Spurs had only half cleared a Fawley corner.  The game continued to be lively with Spurs doing more of the attacking but the visitors looking dangerous on the break.  The half ended even, with Spurs perhaps a little unlucky not to be in the lead.

However, the second half was a different story, with Fawley imposing a firm grip on the game from the outset and creating a number of chances, finally taking the lead with a goal from Shane Reynard, who he lobbed the keeper with what may have been intended as a cross.  Matthew Redman soon doubled the lead with a shot that hit the inside of the near post and trickled over the line, and only some splendid saves by first team debutant Jonathan Sheppard kept the score down.  Five minutes from the end, substitute Sam Knowles reduced the arrears with a well-placed header, but Spurs’ hopes of staging a grandstand finish were dashed by a close-range volley by James Fry following a left-wing cross.

Spurs have now fallen to 19th in the league, though they have games in hand over most of the teams around them.

Spurs Reserves maintained their 100% record in the Aldershot League Senior Division with a 3-1 victory at Sandhurst Sports and now go to the top of the league.  Spurs’ goals came from Martin Ball, Glen Mackenzie and Steve Thurlby.

The A team gained their first victory in Division 1, player-manager John Cottrell getting the only goal against Hartley Wintney A, while the Vets went top of Division 3 with a comfortable 4-0 win at Shalford B – the goals were from Richard Swannell (2), Dan Gardiner and a Roy Allaway penalty.

Spurs first team visit in form Hamble ASSC on Saturday (kick-off 3.00).

Spurs had also played an eventful midweek cup game on Tuesday.