Andover 4 Winchester II 0

ANDOVER maintained their posistion at the head of Hampshire 1 with a comfortable victory over Winchester’s second string – stretching their unbeaten run to 17 games in the process.

The hosts started at a high tempo, taking the game to Winchester.

Jamie Hacker duly put Andover ahead, his strike from the top of the D nutmegging the Winch goalkeeper on its way into the goal.

The Andover midfield of Harry Trott, George Allmark and Olly Bridge creating chance after chance for the advancing players and finally Tom Burnham opened his account for the season with a fine strike across the goalie for 2-0.

Andover were not finished there for first-half goals, with a quick counter attack. George Allmark raced into Winchester’s half and past bystanding defenders to put the ball past the goalkeeper only for it to be poached on the line by Hacker to claim his 13th of the season.

Andover finished the first half with ten players after James Pawley made a cynical tackle and found himself sinbinned for ten minutes.

Andover were taken by surprise at the start of the second half when Winchester came flying out of the blocks and created plenty of chances.

The first short corner of the half went Winchester’s way and hit an Andover foot on the line meaning a penalty stroke but Strickland pulled off a stunning save to keep another clean sheet this season.

The later part of the match proved to be another long battle for both midfields; with one final push Sam Goacher put Sam Cowley through to finish another great first time effort and grab his 12th goal this season.

Andover travel away to Weymouth tomorrow looking to stay unbeaten for the 18th game.

 

Swanage & Wareham 6 Andover II 2

ANDOVER II travelled to play mid-table Swanage and Wareham to try to maintain their position at the top of the league and possibly draw away from second placed Fleet and Ewshot who were hot on their heels.

From the start Andover took the game to the home side but were unable to make an impression where it counted, in front of goal.

They made numerous chances but failed to convert any of them and as time went on they ran out of steam and lost their rhythm allowing Swanage to get back into the game and take control by finding the net three times before half-time.

The second half saw Andover tighten things up and try and minimise the deficit, scoring twice. Mark Frost attacked down the wing before finally cutting in and scoring but only having the bare 11 players was a disadvantage but they fought to a standstill holding the home side off until their tired legs gave into the fresh ones as Swanage and Wareham scored three more to eventually run out winners.

Andover are now second in the league but only on goal difference.

 

Southampton IV 7 Andover III 0

A VERY youthful Andover III went away to Southampton where they battled bravely but it was the very solid and experienced home team, comprising fully of players 20-plus, who dominated both skilfully and physically.

Andover provided moments of inspiration which worried Southampton, particularly in the second half, but these were few and far between.

The defence of Sam Richards and Gary Holmes played a major part in keeping the scoreline below double digits as they marked out men and intercepted numerous passes.

Man of the match and pitch captain Matt Hodgson led, inspired and never let up throughout but it was to no avail as the heat of the day and a lack of substitutes slowly took its toll and left Andover III disappointed in the final result.