All square in big Hampshire Premier League derby (From Basingstoke Gazette)

All square in big Hampshire Premier League derby

8:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in Football

THE north Hampshire derby between Overton United and AFC Aldermaston ended with honours even.

Overton started the Hampshire Premier League fixture strongly, with Danny Houseman going close, but it was Aldermaston who took the lead on 30 minutes, Dexter Skipp heading home Jordan Cox’s corner.

Overton looked to reply and Matt Desay made good saves to deny first Myles Englefield and then Harry Rudge to ensure that the visitors went into half-time in front.

However, Aldermaston made a slow start to the second-half and were made to pay when Elliot Hobden’s cross from the left was headed home by Houseman to level the scores.

Overton had more chances after that – but Aldermaston could have nicked all three points late on. Kai Payton-Edey broke down the left and his low cross found Matt Hoyte, but the substitute was unable to make contact, the ball bobbling through his legs.

The opposing managers had somewhat different views on the game.

Overton boss Titch Bloomfield said: “We were the better side by far. We played quite well despite going a goal down but at the end of the day we should have been more clinical and won the game.”

However, Aldermaston manager Terry Rooney felt the result was the right one.

“I felt it was a fair result in the end and I have to be happy with a point,” he said. “We were away from home and Overton are on a good run.”

Aldermaston are in the midst of a busy spell. They hosted Bournemouth Sports last night, travel to bottom side Hamble on Saturday and host QK Southampton on Wednesday.

“We play seven games in March and several of them are winnable,” Rooney added. “It’s all down to us.”

Overton face a tough trip to sixth-placed Liss Athletic on Saturday.

Bloomfield said: “Liss are a decent outfit this season. They must have had a bit influx of players since last year and I’m expecting a tough game.

“It’s a hard place to go to and there is a bit of history between the sides. It will be hard but we seem to perform better against the top sides.”