Comeback kings Liphook United overcome Moneyfields Reserves with late rally

Eleven is heaven for the Blues. 

That is how many times Carl Harris’ men have come from behind to pick up all three points this season after their 3-1 win over strugglers Moneyfields Reserves.

Harris said his squad’s character has allowed Liphook to have the chance of winning the Hampshire Premier League.

Former Portsmouth midfielder Stan Bridgman’s low drive saw Moneys take the lead inside half an hour. 

Charlie Carmichael came close to extending their shock lead over Liphook but Ryan Angear’s header saw Moneys punished. 

Bridgman had another chance to regain the lead but his curling effort was denied by the woodwork. 

Liphook had an opportunity of their own to sneak ahead just before the break after a combination by Andy Coulson and Billy Allcock resulted in Freddie Funon making a fairly comfortable save. 

HT: Liphook United 1-1 Moneyfields Reserves

Liphook had opportunities to take the lead they deserved with Marco Sellitto and Max Bray striking wide in quick succession before Elliott Turnbull’s volley for Moneys was also off-target.

Substitute Marcus Bedford’s header was directed off-target after he latched on a delivery by Harry Rolfe. 

But Bedford was on target shortly afterwards as he netted his second league goal of the season – Liphook finally getting their deserved lead.

A few minutes later the blues extended their advantage with a loose ball finding an unmarked Sellitto on the edge of box, who curled his effort into the top-left corner. 

Club top goalscorer Allcock and Maltese forward Luca Theuma had chances late on but both struck off-target.

FT: Liphook United 3-1 Moneyfields Reserves

Defeat for Moneyfieds Reserves dented their chance of survival as they sit five points adrift of fellow strugglers Hayling United – however, they do have two games in hand. 

The Bugs will take on Moneys next week in which could decide the fate of both clubs.

Liphook to be crowned Champions? 

Saturday afternoon could see Liphook become winners of the Hampshire Premier League for the first time since 2012. 

A win on Saturday against rock bottom Fleet Spurs will see Harris win the league with both first and reserve side in recent years. 

Long league leaders Infinity have surrendered a place at the top of the table at the final hurdle, with Rich Bassey’s men potentially dropping down to second for the first time since late-October.  

But what is next for Moneyfields Reserves? 

Moneys will host Hook at King George Cosham on Saturday morning. 

A tough few weeks ahead could see Moneyfields Reserves relegated, despite challenging for the league title two years ago.