(Wessex League Division 1)

Spurs extended their unbeaten run to ten games with this hard-fought victory over a spirited Horndean side.  Spurs won at least partly because they now have the self-belief that results from success, and not because they were the better side by two goals.

The first half was even, with very few clear-cut opportunities, though the competitive nature of the game ensured that it never descended into boredom.  Spurs probably shaded the exchanges, but a nil-nil score line at half-time was a fair reflection of proceedings.

The visitors came out strongly after the break, but were unable to capitalise on their supremacy, missing a number of straightforward goal chances.  Midway through the half, manager Neil Baker brought on Ed Smith for his Spurs debut, having been signed on a joint registration with Fleet Town.  This proved an inspired substitution, as Smith soon latched on to a superb through ball from Adam Crittenden before lashing a left-foot drive into the roof of the helpless Steven May’s net.  Horndean created opportunities to equalise, but spurned them all.  Ten minutes from the end, Smith put the result beyond doubt when he headed in a fine cross from Stuart Tanfield that keeper May could only parry into the air, after a searching pass from skipper Ben Edwards had put the winger clear on the left.

After the match manager Neil Baker said “It wasn’t one of our better performances, but it’s a sign of our growing confidence that we can get a win from a game like that.”

Spurs have now climbed to 9th in the league.  They visit Warminster Town on Wednesday (kick-off 7.45) and are at AFC Portchester on Saturday (kick-off 3.00).

Spurs A team had a splendid 6-2 victory at previously unbeaten West Meon, Russell Hammond notching a hat-trick, while Roy Allaway also scored three as the Vets beat Shalford B 7-1.