Hampshire Senior Cup Andover 2 Aldershot 2 (Aldershot 4-2 on aggregate)

A towering Andover performance in front of a massive Portway crowd saw the Lions hold their own against Aldershot on Tuesday.

To draw against the Ryman League's leaders, who play their football three divisions above the Lions, was a superb result for Howard Goddard's side - and the Andover boss was full of praise for his players, and the 830 fans who packed the Portway.

He told the Advertiser: "A lot of boys became men out there last night. It was a mature performance, and all my players stood up to be counted. I was proud of them all.

"And it meant so much to us to have so many fans out there in the stands. The players really appreciated the support we had, and it lifted their game."

It was a performance of courage and maturity from the Lions, who trailed the Shots by two goals after the first leg at the Recreation Ground a fortnight ago. When the visitors opened the scoring after 30 seconds thanks to Lee Charles's strike, many out there must have feared the worst - but the young Andover players kept their heads, and refused to buckle under the onslaught of the Conference-bound side.

Justin Bennett retaliated for Andover with a delightful goal five minutes later, as he chested up Vince Rusher's centre and drove it on the volley past Gareth Howells. It was another excellent strike from Bennett, who had scored a hat-trick in every round of the Hampshire Senior Cup so far this year, but had to make do with a brace on Tuesday. But Aldershot completed a breathless 10 minutes by scoring again, as Charles got his second as he volleyed home a cross from the left.

After that, the game settled down, and Aldershot looked to score on the break, but fine defending by the Lions and a couple of stunning saves from Kieron Drake kept the visitors out. Andover grew in confidence, with Terry Lynch having a particularly dominant game, and made chances of their own. Rusher saw a fine effort from 30 yards sail just over the bar, before Danny Sullivan cleared off the line to save Drake's blushes after the Lions keeper went gardening out by the touchline.

The second half was a fantastic team performance from Andover, who played calmly, resolutely and skilfully, keeping possession, passing patiently and at times forcing the Shots to chase the ball all over the field.

It really was entertaining stuff as the Lions chipped away at the Shots defence, and earned their second goal on 68 minutes. Bennett powered through into space to latch onto a raking pass before cleverly taking his time, forcing Howells to commit himself and casually lifting the ball home. His finish exemplified the whole team's display, as skilful as it was battling.

There was little doubt that Andover played the better football in the second half, making the Shots look distinctly ordinary at times - a big achievement for the Jewson Wessex League club. And while dreams of St Mary's will have to wait for another year, the signs for next season are impressive indeed - those sparkling minutes when Aldershot simply couldn't get the football back off Andover were a joy to watch.

Goddard said after the game: "That's as good a team performance as you're likely to see. People all over the south will know that Andover gave Aldershot one hell of a game - and Aldershot have taken teams apart this year, teams well above us.

"After going a goal down in a minute, a lot of teams could have folded. But my boys walked tall out there. "It was a great night for the players, and supporters. We appreciate all the efforts that made it possible, from the people who were down here cutting the grass in the summer to everyone who went through the turnstiles.

"That goal we conceded in the last minute at their place and the one in the first minute here have cost us. But I told the players afterwards that I was proud to be their manager, and they'd done a phenomenal job."