Bramley Utd U23s 0-1 Crookham Rovers U23s
Crookham Rovers U23s claimed an excellent away win against last season’s league champions Bramley Utd, edging a hard-fought encounter 1-0.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tightly contested midfield battle.
Midway through the second half, Rovers were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal in a central position. Skipper Luke Gorton stepped up and unleashed a thunderous strike that powered through the defence, bypassing the Bramley wall, and into the back of the net.
Bramley responded by piling on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but a determined defensive display saw Rovers hold firm to take all three points.
Manager Andrew Barber praised his side’s resilience: “That was a fantastic effort from the lads. To come here, against the reigning champions, and dig out a win shows real character. Everyone worked hard for each other, and it was a performance to be proud of.”
Match-winner Luke Gorton added: “As soon as we got the free kick, I fancied it. I just hit it as clean as I could and thankfully it flew in. More importantly, it gave us the goal we needed for a massive win.”