Fareham earn vital point against rivals Stoneham
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM TOWN were forced to settle for only their second league draw of their 2024-25 season as they hosted play-off rivals AFC Stoneham on Tuesday evening (April 1); eventually clinching a goalless stalemate against the high-flying opponents following a close-fought and cagey encounter that was watched by over three hundred fans at Cams Alders.
The hosts started rapidly under ‘chilly’ spring skies and should have scored within the third minute when Alfie Bridgman crossed to find Liam Robinson who headed narrowly over the crossbar. Another attack arrived on eleven minutes when Stan Bridgman linked up with Josh Benfield through the middle; the latter’s angled drive bouncing harmlessly off target.
Stoneham did well to survive the early pressures and steadily worked themselves into contention with a spell of intense possession; which involved quick sideways passing and multiple crosses inside the area. But Fareham were alert to all the ‘dangers’ and the proceedings drifted into a midfield battle that neither wanted to lose; the half hour further passing.
It took until the thirty-second minute for another opportunity and it came on the counter attack for Fareham; some quick passing releasing Stan Bridgman whom lashed wide from thirty yards out. Down the other end Dan Miller’s header was blocked before a mishit Ashley Pope was straight at Declan McCarthy on forty-three minutes to end this first half at 0-0.
It was the visitors who resumed this second half with ‘impetus’ as Owen Fee was brilliantly denied by Declan McCarthy at his near post; the home keeper further parrying an effort from Duarte Martins with a good finger-tip stop. In response Fareham saw another opening for Liam Robinson, when the striker volleyed just fractionally wide of the bar from range.
This opportunity sparked the Creeksiders into life and Ethan Quinlan went very close with an ambitiously struck bicycle kick; whilst Benfield set up Stan Bridgman to nod inches over the bar. Substitutions also followed across the 2 benches going into this last fifteen minutes with Stoneham seeing Ash Pope turn and lash over as McCarthy was still on the line.
One of these changes almost paid full dividends as Jamie Hosking had a good chance as he placed a curling shot past the post via a deflection; the hosts seemingly pushing hard for a win. But they almost lost this match when a cross was dropped by McCarthy and towards the goalline; only an intervention by Will Ayre stopping a winner deep in added time.
The result leaves Fareham in third place and has arguably moved rivals Portchester even closer to the league title; but they won’t mind getting a deserved point which could be crucial at this late season stage. Their next 2 matches will see them travel to Brockenhurst and Millbrook over the next seven days as they seek to confirm a spot in the top five sides.
PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN MEDIA: Attacker gets through gap between the Stoneham players as boss watches.
