A FRENETIC Aubrey Cup tie went the way of Sandridge Rovers as they removed holders Elliott Star 3-2 on Saturday, November 3, and their reward is a clash with Hatfield Town in the next round.

Semi-finalists last season, Rovers were not able to find their typical passing game on a pitch that was as uneven as it was uncut, but while this did not make for classic football, with misplaced passes as common as accurate ones, it did at least provide for plenty of drama.

Sandridge took an early lead through Bradley Anderson, his deflected shot nestling in the bottom corner after six minutes, but the game was back in the melting pot 120 seconds later as Star levelled with a goal that will give Rovers goalkeeper Paul Tomms nightmares, and the home team then added a second after half an hour.

Before the interval, though, Rovers were back on terms as skipper Mark Andrews was on the end of a Gary McShane cross.

Into the second half and despite the deteriorating conditions underfoot, Sandridge, to their credit, persevered with their passing game and it nearly paid dividends when Mark Vidgen found room for a shot, but was denied by the width of an upright. Elliot Star were equally threatening and they also hit the woodwork shortly after forcing Tomms to make a good stop.

The crucial blow came with 15 minutes left on the clock and, not surprisingly, it was the aerial route that again produced a goal. McShane, who was playing his way back to form, delivered a free kick into a crowded area and Neil Alexander squeezed out just enough space to force in Rovers winner.

Star might still have fancied their chances to retrieve the situation but shot themselves in the foot before the restart when they had a man dismissed for dissent.

It was one-way traffic after that and Vidgen, McShane and Anderson all had chances to wrap up the tie while Daryl Smith hit a post.

It is more cup action this weekend as Sandridge face Surrey team Virginia Water in the Cherry Red Books Capital Counties Feeder League Knockout Trophy.

November 9, 2001 11:00