Crookham Rovers U23s won their fourth game in a row with a convincing 5-2 home victory against Simply Soccer Spartans in their latest Aldershot & District league game, which saw Zach Hansell grab a brace and Harry Barber playing a key role throughout.
Rovers took control early when Barber showed quick thinking to dispossess a defender and fire home on 27 minutes. Ten minutes later the hosts doubled their lead from the spot, Tony Barnes converting after Hansell had been brought down by the Spartans goalkeeper. Good goalkeping from Jake Bailey and a goalline clearance from Jamie Lavender meant it was still 2-0 at half time.
Simply Soccer pulled one back shortly after the restart to make it 2-1, but Rovers responded well. Hansell headed home from a George Davis corner on 62 minutes to restore the two-goal cushion, and although Spartans reduced the deficit again to 3-2 on 71 minutes, Rovers were not to be rattled. Hansell completed his brace on 80 minutes, assisted by Barber, before Ben Scarborough wrapped up a fine afternoon's work five minutes later, also set up by Barber.
U23s manager Andrew Barber was understandably pleased with the result. "Five-two is a great result and putting ourselves level on points with Simply Soccer, with games in hand, is exactly where we want to be. The boys worked hard and deserved every goal."
The victory leaves Rovers level with Simply Soccer Spartans in the league table, but holding games in hand over Spartans and all the other teams ahead of them in the table, giving the side a strong chance of a top half finish as the season reaches its conclusion.