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Liphook United 1-2 AFC Aldermaston - Henry Ascoli (27th Oct 2013 - 16:41:59) HPFL Senior League Cup second round Liphook United 1-2 AFC Aldermaston LIPHOOK United overcame the elements only to slip up in the cup, as a determined AFC Aldermaston wreaked revenge for a convincing defeat at the same ground only seven days earlier, writes Henry Ascoli. Heavy rain throughout the week threatened to prevent the game going ahead at the Recreation Ground, but it was the visitors who adapted swiftly to the sodden and slippery pitch to seize control. Liphook appeared all at sea during the early exchanges, and it was no surprise when Aldermaston snatched the lead on 13 minutes, as Mike Porter completed a patient passing move by dinking the ball over the onrushing keeper Chris Martin and into the back of the net. Stunned into action, United soon went on the attack, Harry Tremlett bursting into the box and unleashing a fierce shot which struck a defender and prompted a strong penalty appeal. Yet Aldermaston appeared untroubled at the back and carried their slender lead into the interval. Liphook returned to the field with renewed energy and enthusiasm, but hopes of a home comeback suffered a crushing blow on the hour-mark, when Martin King’s glancing header evaded the outstretched Martin and nestled in the top left corner of the net. United refused to buckle and showed fighting spirit during the closing stages, committing men forward on the break in a bid to break down the visitors’ resilient defence. Aldermaston dropped deep to protect their lead, but became pinned in their own penalty area, and a strong header from Rick Williams was cleared off the line, then Sean Burton rattled the crossbar with a driving 25-yard effort. Liphook finally made the pressure pay five minutes from time, when Burton wriggled free of the defence to plant the ball in the bottom right corner, sparking a frantic conclusion to the match. United flooded forward in a last-gasp effort to force an equaliser, but Aldermaston proved equal to the task and held on to secure their spot in the third round. “We were lucky to even get the game played after so much rain this week, but I was disappointed with the display and we need to change our attitude if we’re to become more consistent and pick up results week in, week out,” said Liphook player-manager Kevin Adair. United face a tough trip to long-standing rivals QK Southampton in the second round of the Hampshire Intermediate Cup next Saturday (November 2).

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