Late drama as Rovers show their progress against high-flyers
A depleted Crookham Rovers U23s, hit by illness and injuries, battled to a dramatic 4-4 draw away to second-placed Ash Utd Reserves in a game full of twists and late drama. The result highlights Rovers’ remarkable progress since the start of the season, having been beaten 6-0 by the same opposition in their opening match.
Rovers made a flying start, taking the lead after just three minutes when Ben Scarborough found the net after an assist from Harry Barber. Cameron Corlett doubled the advantage moments later, slotting home after a well-worked move to make it 2-0 to the visitors inside six minutes.
Ash Utd regrouped, halving the deficit with a penalty before equalising at the end of the first half, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2.
The second half was equally eventful. Ash took the lead for the first time, converting their second penalty of the match. Crookham refused to fold, and Louis Matravers fired home a shot across the goal to make it 3-3. Then, as the game headed to a finish, Tony Barnes smashed in a stunning fourth goal for Rovers to restore the visitors’ advantage.
However, in a cruel twist for Rovers, Ash were awarded a third penalty deep into stoppage time, which they dispatched with the final kick of the game to salvage a point.
Assistant Coach Aidan Gardener reflected on his team’s performance and growth: “To come here and push such a strong side to the wire shows how far we’ve come since that opening game. The lads showed incredible character and resilience today. While conceding so late is hard to take, we’re proud of the progress this group has made.”
The result leaves Rovers well-placed in the league and underscores their ability to compete with the division’s best.