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Liphook seal derby victory with last-gasp winner - Henry Ascoli (23rd Nov 2013 - 19:09:26) HPFL Combination Division match report Liphook United Reserves 2-1 Liss Athletic Reserves BY HENRY ASCOLI A LAST-GASP winner sparked wild celebrations as the boys in blue edged out arch rivals Liss to earn the bragging rights in a hard-fought local derby. This energetic encounter offered little in terms of goal mouth action, but provided plenty of talking points on the touchlines, with both sides dogged and determined from the first to the final whistle. Liss began brightly, looking to break down the channels and force the hosts onto the back foot, but Jordan Osbourne failed to make the most of an early opportunity, and his air shot proved a let off for the home defence. Moments later at the other end, the visitors’ back line was caught cold, failing to clear after an ambitious bicycle kick from Jack Bicknell, but George House fired over the bar from the follow-up. Liphook looked to have settled into their rhythm, controlling the pace of play in the midfield, and Steve Doyle in particular proved a thorn in the side of the Liss attack. However, against the run of play, Liss grabbed the lead six minutes before the break, when Osbourne beat his marker and rose at the back post to nod home a pin-point cross from Daniel Zubenbnia. United responded immediately, forcing the visitors to drop deep and bombarding the Liss goal with close-range shots during the final moments of the first half. Liphook maintained their momentum after the break, and made a crucial breakthrough four minutes into the second half, when Charlie Kingshott sprinted forward, beat his man and unleashed a thunderous strike which flew past keeper Adam Batey and rippled the back of the net. Encouraged by an enthusiastic home crowd, United surged forward, and came agonisingly close to snatching the lead when Jake Southam’s fierce strike rattled the underside of the crossbar. Liss regained their composure and produced several promising moves, but failed to penetrate the home defence, and keeper Matt Collins proved equal to the task, clearing the danger on every occasion. A point apiece seemed inevitable until, in the final minute of normal time, a looping corner found Bicknell, whose powerful effort clattered against the woodwork and rebounded off Batey, before rolling over the goal line - sending the home fans into raptures. United clung on to seal a second derby victory in seven days and maintain their momentum leading into a busy period of league and cup action. Liphook United Reserves manager Mark Morton commented: “It was great feeling to come out on top in such a big match – this team performance was a great credit to the club and the village.”

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