Crookham Rovers U23s brought their Aldershot & District Football League season to a close with a 3-1 home win over Bramley United U23s on Saturday afternoon, a result that denied the visitors the league title.
Played in glorious spring sunshine, with temperatures climbing to 23°C, the game had a real edge from the first whistle. Bramley arrived knowing a victory would crown them champions, and Rovers were determined to sign their season off on a high.
The breakthrough came on 25 minutes. A Crookham corner was only half-cleared, and Harry Barber was quickest to react on the edge of the box, drilling a fine shot past the Bramley keeper. Rovers held that lead until the end of the half, when the visitors then found a way back into the contest with the last kick of the first half. A free kick from near the halfway line wasn't dealt with and eventually found its way through for Bramley's equaliser.
The second half saw Crookham respond well. Aidan Gardener, introduced from the bench, brought fresh energy to the midfield, and it was his delivery from a corner on 78 minutes that picked out Jamie Lavender, who rose highest to head home and restore the lead. Deep into stoppage time, the tireless Zach Hansell was brought down sprinting into the box, and Tony Barnes stepped up to convert the penalty and seal a 3-1 win.
Speaking after the game, coach Andrew Barber said: "It's been a season of ups and downs, but to finish it with a performance like that against a side chasing the title tells you everything about this group. The lads have stuck together through the tougher results, kept turning up, and today they got the reward. I'm really proud of them.
"Days like this are what you play for. Bright sunshine, a packed sideline, and a chance to spoil the party. We knew what was at stake for Bramley, and we wanted to make sure we ended our season the right way," he added.
The win lifted Rovers to a fifth-place finish and sealed a league double over Bramley.