SOLDIERS Return lost by the odd goal in five at Nether Wallop in the last eight of Andover Presidents Cup.

Freddie Cloke broke the early deadlock between two evenly-balanced sides, collecting the ball in midfield and exquisitely running with the ball through the defence to score.

The hosts' equalised before half-time, followed by two further goals in the first ten minutes of the second half.

Soldiers' a steeper hill to match up than the Grand Old Duke of York.

Alex Izzo pulled a goal back to make it 3-2, with 10 minutes to go, but Soldiers were unable to find that elusive equaliser.

In the same competition, Oakley Club de Futbol Albion travelled to SParTEN, to play in terrible weather and pitch conditions, and expressed surprise that the referee allowed the game to continue to the end.

The first half was goalless, thanks to a remarkable penalty save and excellent football by Oakley.

After the break, the visitors fell behind to three quick goals by their hosts. Gregor Restell belied his 37 years when he pulled a goal back, before a breakaway goal sealed the 4-1 final score.

With the weather ruling out all the local council pitches, only one of the scheduled matches was played in Basingstoke, the Bernard Cornish Cup quarter final between Division Two Chineham and Division Three Soldiers Return Reserves.

Chineham comfortably won the tie 5-0, with goals from Matt Kempson, Kieron Alleyne, Jamie Dockree and a brace by James Hanley.