SHOOTERS suffered a shock defeat in the last 16 of the Peter Houseman Youth League U12 Cup, losing 4-2 to Burghclere.

The Andover side had comfortably beaten their opponents earlier this season, but Burghclere were much improved this time around.

The north Hampshire side had moved into the last 16 having defeated Premier Division side Highmoor-Ibis in the previous round.

And Shooters struggled to impose their usual game on Burghclere, who defended resolutely throughout.

Charlie Chatee had two long range strikes, but it was Olly Walker who came closest for Shooters in the opening period.

However his effort hit the side netting after a fine turn in the box.

Burghclere then had two good chances, hitting the post and heading over a gaping net.

But they took the lead in the 21st minute with a shot from the edge of the area.

With time running out in the first half Burghclere doubled their lead when a powerful free-kick pierced a poorly constructed Shooters wall and beat Alfie Marchment in the visitors’ goal.

Shooters had a mountain to climb and made several changes at the break, hoping to get back into the game.

However, their task got even harder within four minutes of the restart when Burghclere scored their third, again with a long range shot.

With nothing to lose, Shooters relaxed and took the control of the game.

During this period they scored twice to bring them back into the tie.

The first came from Walker, who caught out a back pedalling home keeper with an early shot.

The second came after a penalty was awarded following a melee in the Burghclere area, the resultant spot kick was confidently netted by Rui Horner.

Any thoughts of a Shooters comeback continuing were dashed by a fourth Burghclere goal, when a near post corner was headed home unchallenged.

Burghclere saw out the match to claim another scalp and a deserved place in the quarter-finals.