Fareham maintain play-off push in Baffins derby win
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM TOWN maintained their play-off position in the Wessex Premier League as they hosted rivals Baffins Milton Rovers in a rearranged fixture on Tuesday evening (March 4); eventually confirming a narrow two-one success against their high-flying opponents after an entertaining encounter that was enjoyed by a gate of over 300 fans at Cams Alders.
It was a feisty start under clear skies as Charlie Cooper was booked within five seconds for a tough foul and there was more home frustration when Liam Robinson went down inside the area; the referee turning down the appeals. Play did however calm with Charlie Bell creating the first chance for Baffins, but the ball was blasted over the bar from an angle.
Lyle Simpson almost took advantage of a looser pass and was found running through on goal after twenty minutes; the striker forcing a great parry from Fareham goalkeeper Declan McCarthy. The away team were further punished as Alfie Bridgman made himself a pocket of space to meet Cooper’s side-ways ball, before hitting his drive into the right corner.
The half hour mark passed with no further incidents as the 2 sides had periods of sustained possession; Baffins having this next chance on 38 minutes when a free-kick went across goal and wide off target. In response Fareham saw a fine move end in a shot being drilled over the bar from Sam Woodward, who had expertly spun a defender before his effort.
Attacking momentum continued upon the restart as Baffins again took control of a loose ball and lashed wide, but they were celebrating their equaliser on 50 minutes; Harry Beckley seeing the deflected shot nestle home. The Creeksiders almost made this immediate response when Robinson’s header on the hour was brilliantly parried by Hayden McGhan.
This end-to-end nature was shown again when McCarthy had to perform an acrobatic dive to redeem a very miskicked clearance that fell to Simpson, whilst the Baffins striker further fired over on 64 minutes. In contrast the home attackers were more clinical with a winner coming moments later; Robinson getting past his marker and calmly slotting in the net.
Substitutions followed across both teams in this last twenty-five minutes of action; the visitors having many threatening deliveries also hacked safely away from danger despite their potential threats. Fareham appeared content to hold onto their lead but they did see this match’s final chance with moments left; Stan Bridgman slicing a fine shot wide off target.
The Creeksiders are now third in this current standings and sit five points inside the play-off sections following a recent slip in form; their rivals luckily dropping points alongside them last month. They will continue their busy month of March with big away games over the next week; first visiting Christchurch on Saturday and Cowes next Tuesday night (11/03).
PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN MEDIA: Home player takes ball under control despite attentions of 3 Baffins players.
