Albion come from behind to beat Shots

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Albion began their campaign with a victory.

Neil Moxley

2025-08-12T21:10+01:00

Shane Nti struck to make it 2-1 on the night. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Two goals inside four second-half minutes capped a stirring comeback as Shannon Ruth’s youngsters kicked off their National League Cup campaign with a deserved win.

Albion had to fight back from falling behind as the game entered its final quarter but an own goal and a rapid breakaway strike enabled them to take home the spoils.

It had looked like being one of those nights in north Hampshire as the visitors dominated in terms of chances.

And when a lapse in concentration enabled the Shots to take the lead with 20 minutes to go, it appeared as though a harsh lesson would be learnt.

Callum Mackley and Jacob Parsons enjoy the post match celebrations. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

However, Shannon’s side refused to lie down.

It was Zane Albarus who put pressure on midfielder Cameron Hargreaves as the home skipper looked for a route back to his own goal with 13 minutes to go.

He managed it. But he also defeated his own goalkeeper, passing the ball into the net to hand Albion an equaliser that their efforts deserved.

Four minutes later, came another moment in which Ruth’s side showcased their intensity by turning over possession on the halfway line.

Substitute Henry Kasvosve strode forward purposefully before slipping in team-mate Shane Nti who provided a thumping finish to wrap up the victory.

Shane Nti scored what proved to be the winning goal. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Until the late drama, the only ingredient that had been missing was a finishing touch.

The evening started promisingly. Centre-half Charlie Penman twice threatened from corners inside the opening five minutes.

But there was a bump in the road shortly afterwards when Freddie Simmonds, who appeared to take a heavy knock inside the opening minute, limped out of the action.

There were a string of near misses either side of the break as the visitors took control, only to be brought to their senses when home substitute Hady Ghandour lobbed keeper Steven Hall.

But Albion showed resilience and staying power to turn the match on its head with two strikes in quick succession to seal the points.

Albion: Hall, Tasker, Simmonds, (Mackley 11) Penman, Slater; Albans, Robertson, (Owusu 70) Silsby, (Kasvosve 70) Oriola, (Keogh 85) Nti; Belmont. (Parsons 85)

Subs not used: Jensen, Atom.