Crookham Rovers U23s go second with a dominant win over Simply Soccer Spartans
Crookham Rovers U23s put in a superb performance to secure a 5-1 victory away against Basingstoke-based Simply Soccer Spartans, overtaking their opponents to claim second place in the table, level on points with Ash Utd, who top the table on goal difference.
Rovers started brightly, taking full advantage of their opportunities early on. Crookham opened the scoring through a well-executed throw from Thomas King, which Harry Barber was able to head home.
A few minutes later, Barber scored again from a quick counter-attack, dribbling past the defence before curling the ball into the top right-hand corner.
His relentless pressing proved crucial throughout the match, and his tenacity lead to his third goal early in the second half as he forced an error from the Spartans’ goalkeeper before claiming his hat trick.
Although Simply Soccer Spartans managed to pull one back from a set piece, Crookham Rovers maintained their intensity and within five minutes they reasserted the three-goal cushion when Barber's high press created another chance. Be dispossessed a centre-half and squared the ball for Ben Scarborough to tap home for the fourth goal. Not long after, in a near-identical move, Barber once again harried the Spartans' back line, causing a defensive error that gifted Scarborough his second, and the team's fifth goal.
Assistant manager Aidan Gardner praised the team’s exceptional work rate and attitude. "Everyone was on top of their game today, with a great attitude and work rate," he said, adding, "Jason West was outstanding with his pressing in midfield, and Harry was exceptional, being rewarded for his high pressing with a hat trick and creating Ben's brace."
Rovers' skipper, Thomas King agreed and added: "It was a great performance by the whole squad today. Winning 5-1, away from home, to leapfrog the opposition into second place is a fitting reward for the hard work in training and the team spirit we have."
This convincing away win, their fifth in a row, gives Rovers a significant boost ahead of key games against other teams pushing to win the league.