(Wessex League Division 1)

Thrilling fightbacks are becoming a feature of Spurs’ season.  Spurs’ reasonable start proved to be deceptively flattering, as their defence soon crumbled.  First they left Dave Allen unmarked at a left-wing corner, and he exacted full retribution, scoring with a near-post header.   Stockbridge were heartened by this and doubled their lead when keeper Mark Appleby was only able to parry a looping cross from Jack Hutchings and Chris Payne easily slipped the ball past him.  The home side got well on top, being notably much quicker than Fleet both on to the ball and to close down opponents, and it took some good saves from Appleby to keep the deficit to two.  Spurs had a couple of chances with breakaways, but each time Stockbridge keeper Alan Ralph made brave saves at skipper Ben Edwards’ feet, though on the second occasion, he was helped by a rather heavy touch from the Fleet skipper.  However, on the stroke of half-time, Spurs were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the D of the penalty area and Tom Chillery reduced the arrears with a well-taken left-foot shot into the bottom corner.  Spurs turned round relieved that they were only one goal behind.

The second half was a different story and skipper Edwards soon equalised with a brilliant left-foot shot into the top corner.  Spurs began putting Stockbridge under the sort of pressure they’d suffered themselves in the first half, and it was no surprise when midway through the half in-form Sam Knowles gave the visitors the lead with a sharp finish from an acute angle.  Stockbridge were not done, and fought back as the weather deteriorated.  Ryan Boare was looking particularly sharp and with 15 minutes to go the home striker tempted Danny Harrison into a mis-timed tackle.  A clear penalty, which Payne converted clinically.  Could there be yet another twist to this game?  Indeed there could, as Knowles restored Spurs’ lead within two minutes.  That concluded the scoring, but not before there had been a number of goal-scoring opportunities at both ends.

After the match manager Neil Baker said “The lads deserve praise for yet another brave comeback, but I’d prefer them to play properly right from the start, and save us all so much nervous strain.”

Spurs have now extended their unbeaten record to seven games, and have risen to 13th position in the league, with games in hand against most of the sides around them.  Their next game is at Andover New Street on Saturday (kick-off 3.00), and they hope to put behind them the memory of one of their most disappointing performances of the season when they lost 0-2 to New Street.

Spurs Reserves’ game was postponed.  In the Aldershot and District League, the As lost 1-2 to Eversley As, while the Vets went down 2-3 to Frogmore Rangers.