Haslemere responded well, and stand-in captain Jacob Hall slotted home a shot from the left-hand side.
Newcomer Marco Van Raatle initiated a key play by winning the ball high up the pitch. He then set up Zach Gibb, who calmly passed the ball to debutant Richie Turpin – who coolly found the back of the net.
Haslemere continued to press aggressively, and their persistence paid off. A well-placed aerial pass found Gibb, and his pace left defenders in his wake. Haslemere won a short corner, and Andy Powell converted with a precise drag flick – making it 3-1 at half-time. A&F staged a comeback after the break, and pulled a goal back to make it 3-2.
Haslemere won another short corner, and Turpin seized the opportunity to score his second goal of the game – calmly capitalising on a rebound from the goalkeeper.
As the match progressed, A&F mounted pressure and controlled the game, while Haslemere struggled to escape their own half. A&F managed to narrow the lead with a well-executed drag flick, bringing the score to 4-3. It was only the outstanding efforts of Haslemere goalkeeper Ben Powell that prevented a potential equaliser.
Haslemere’s defence held firm, and they emerged victorious.