Match Review: Rushmoor CFC (3) vs Whiteley Wanderers (2)
UHLSPORT HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE – ONE
22/3/25



Rushmoor Community 3 – 2 Whiteley Wanderers
Whiteley made the long journey to the north of the county to face Rushmoor Community, who sat four places above them ahead of kick-off.
The game started with a flurry of action. Rushmoor won an early corner, which was well blocked on the line by the Whiteley defence. At the other end, Jack threaded a lovely ball through to Kerby, almost forcing a mistake from the home keeper.
Rushmoor struck first, however. A long ball found its way to their striker, and as Vickery rushed out to claim, he collided with the attacker. The referee pointed to the spot and booked Vickery. The penalty was calmly converted to give the hosts the lead.
Whiteley looked to respond quickly. Joe played Jack through one-on-one, only for the flag to go up. Lyle then fed Jack again, but a slip at the crucial moment saw the ball roll wide.
The visitors were pushing hard for the equaliser but were rushing the final ball. The best chance fell to Kerby, who rode a foul and let fly with a rocket from distance that went narrowly over.
Whiteley began to settle, producing some composed, flowing football. A lovely move began and ended with Joe, combining with a twisting, turning Owei, who tried to thread the final ball through.
Despite Whiteley’s growing control, Rushmoor struck again. A free-kick from a dangerous area wasn’t dealt with, and after a scramble in the box, the ball found its way into the net.
Whiteley hit back. A long throw into the box caused chaos, and Steve was brought down. The referee didn’t hesitate – penalty. Bell stepped up and slotted it coolly to halve the deficit.
The half ended with both sides hunting for another. Vickery made a strong save from close range, while Bell, Lyle and Jack battled hard at the other end to level the score before the break.
Half-time: Rushmoor Community 2 – 1 Whiteley Wanderers
Whiteley made tactical adjustments at the break, switching to a back three to gain more control in midfield. The change had an immediate impact.
Charlie won a free-kick early on, playing a quick one-two with Owei before shooting just wide. Rushmoor responded with a flicked ball in behind, but Marcus did brilliantly to shield it back to Vickery.
Moments later, Marcus was involved at the other end, clipping a ball into Lyle whose shot flew just past the post.
Whiteley then found their equaliser. Vickery spotted Jack and launched the ball long. Jack showed great strength to hold off two defenders and coolly chipped it beyond the keeper – a brilliant goal to bring the game level at 2–2.
The visitors kept the pressure on. Charlie whipped in a free-kick which Jack met with a strong header, but it cleared the bar by inches.
Rushmoor weren’t done either. A free-kick forced Vickery into a full-stretch save to keep the scores level.
Reece then charged forward from defence, breaking up play and driving through the midfield to win another free-kick. Lyle took the shot but couldn’t keep it down. Reece was back in defensive action soon after, blocking a dangerous break.
With just minutes left, Rushmoor found a late winner. A short free-kick was worked wide, crossed in and headed back across the box – the striker nodding it home from close range.
Whiteley pushed for a last-gasp equaliser. Jack had two good chances – first firing wide, then nearly getting on the end of a header down from Tommy after Charlie’s deep delivery, but he couldn’t quite connect.
Full-time: Rushmoor Community 3 – 2 Whiteley Wanderers
A stop-start match, influenced by numerous referee interventions, but Whiteley can be proud of a strong, dominant performance away from home. Every player put in a serious shift, showing resilience and commitment.
Man of the Match goes to Marcus Paramor, who continues to impress in his new right-back role, putting in another assured and commanding display.
Line-up: Vickery, Paramor, Finn, C Hancock, J Davies, S Davies, Harry, Bell, Kerby-Dickinson (87), Owei (78), Sherwood
Subs: Cowell (87), T Davies (78)
Goals: Bell (32’ pen), Sherwood (52’)
Rushmoor Goals: 9’ (pen), 28’, 86’
Yellow Cards: Vickery (8’)
Rushmoor Yellow Cards: 21’