Fareham confirm promotion with play-off final win

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM TOWN clinched promotion into the Southern League next season as they hosted rivals Andover New Street in the 2024-25 play-off final on Saturday afternoon (April 26); eventually beating their opponents two-one after a hugely determined and physical performance throughout this encounter watched by 1103 supporters at a ‘sunny’ Cams Alders.

The hosts adapted quickly to a raucous atmosphere and should have scored within five minutes when Dan Bennett got onto the end of a cross but his shot was saved by Jonathan Hill. It didn’t take long for Fareham to score though as Alfie Bridgeman ran inside and fed a fine pass into Callum Neil, who stroked a powerful drive into the right corner for one-nil.

Lewis Colvin’s header was further tipped over by Hill after twelve minutes before the proceedings drifted into a nervous midfield battle which was then broken as Charlie Cooper’s driven attempts were cleared at source. Stan Bridgman was next to have his effort deflected as Andover struggled to build the attacks; their huge frustration threatening to boil over.

But they did enough to channel this into two opportunities as Cameron Thatcher sprinted inside the penalty box and hit this side netting under pressure, whilst Claudio Herbert lashed over the bar on 38 minutes. Down the other end Harvey Aston had a good header denied by Hill’s hands at a corner as they unsuccessfully went for a second before the break.

Both sides saw chances after the restart as Joe Ryan skimmed the crossbar for Fareham and this was further followed by an effort for Andover that was diverted inches off-target. It did not take long for a second goal however as Ryan was tripped inside the area and the referee gave the Creeksiders a penalty which was calmly dispatched by Stan Bridgman.

Home dominance continued with dangerous possession and saw the penalty-taker dance through the midfield, but this shot went over the bar from twenty five yards before a series of changes across both benches. And this didn’t stem the flow as Cooper blasted one towards the top right corner only to be denied by Hill’s outstanding save away from danger.

A nervous finish was guaranteed when Andover reduced their arrears as Lewis Williams slotted home at this back post with 17 minutes left; whilst a serious of “threatening crosses” followed in the moments after. But despite the hugely late pressure and a good headed opportunity that was denied by Declan McCarthy the Creeksiders held on to this success.

This historic victory means that Fareham have returned back to step four of this non-league pyramid for 2025-26, a big target that has been part of the club since the 1997-1998 campaign. In contrast Andover will rue three losses that have left them without a promotion and a Wembley trip for the FA Vase, but they will doubtless be proud of their brilliant year.

PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN MEDIA: Players begin to lift Play-Off trophy and start a celebration after brilliant win.