Calum Bates scored both goals on his return to Crookham Rovers U23s, but Liphook U23s came out on top in a 3-2 ADFL cup win.
Liphook led 1-0 at half-time and doubled their advantage from the penalty spot in the second half.
However, Rovers refused to fold. Harry Barber set up Bates for the first goal to make it 2-1, and then played his teammate through again, only for Bates to be brought down for a penalty. Bates converted it to level the game at 2-2.
Very late in the game, Liphook found the goal that settled it and Rovers were left to reflect on a spirited display.
There was plenty to admire. Bates, Barber, Kyle Duffin, Nate Holloway and Luke Gorton combined well in midfield, and Zach Hansell came close to scoring on several occasions. Kial Elliott and Jamie Lavender were solid at centre-back, while Tony Barnes and Cameron Corlett showed real strength in defence. Tyler Lewis, who came on at the break, battled hard but was booked for questioning the referee (following his decision to award the Liphook penalty:).
The U23s were also boosted by two players from the club's U18 squad. Harry Amero played in goal (providing cover for the injured Calum Walsh), and James Nash impressed on the right wing after coming on at half-time.
U23s coach Andrew Barber said: "I want to thank the two lads from the U18s, Harry Amero and James Nash, who stepped up after already playing in the morning. It's great to be able to give youngsters from the club a taste of football against senior teams, and they both did themselves proud."
Skipper Luke Gorton added: "We showed a lot of fight to come back from two down. It's a shame to lose it, but there was plenty to be proud of and we'll take that into the next game."
Rovers will now look to build on the positives from a battling performance.