ALDERSHOT & FARNHAM 3,

WORTHING 0

ALDERSHOT & Farnham Ladies consolidated third place in the South Women’s Hockey League Division 3B with a clearcut win over bottom side Worthing at Heath End.

Emma Stewart, who had scored the winner against Tulse Hill the week before, sunk the visitors with a hat-trick in little more than three minutes.

Worthing came with a dismal record of 16 games, 16 defeats, but showed guts and determination on a cold and wet afternoon.

A&F held possession for long periods of time and were ahead after 10 minutes, Stewart scoring with a great hit from the top of the D.

In less than two minutes, she scored again. This time, she drew the keeper and popped the ball into the back of the net on the reverse stick. A minute later, and Stewart had her hat-trick, again drawing the keeper and dinking the ball into the opposite side of the goal.

A spirited Worthing fought back valiantly and managed to carry some counter-attacks into the A&F circle. But the back line of Amy Robson, Mel Sutherland, Sammy Powell and Hannah Sprake put up a strong defence and Aldershot took their 3-0 lead into half-time.

In the second half, A&F gained multiple short corners, but their finishing touch had deserted them and no further goals resulted. The home side conceded a few penalty corners at the other end, but again defended strongly to keep Worthing out.

Rosie Hudson was unfortunate to pick up a green card, while Worthing had a player green-carded for a trip on Stewart.

The game eventually fizzled out as A&F comfortably held onto their 3-0 advantage.

• Aldershot & Farnham, after a break from league action this week, will visit Lewes on February 24. On Sunday, February 25, A&F travel to meet New Forest in a bid to reach the Hampshire Cup semi-finals.