FOR the second successive year Andover Town were eliminated from the Wessex League Cup after a penalty shoot out, writes Graham Cousins Town travelled to Petersfield on Tuesday night in match played in appalling conditions throughout as heavy rain was driven across the ground by high winds.

Andover started well with Zach Glasspool and Mike Gosney both going close whilst almost half an hour elapsed before Petersfield managed a goal-scoring attempt.

Shortly before the interval, there was a unique double as both McAulie Stubbs and Eduardo Jimenez scored their first goals for the club.

The first by Stubbs was a header at the near post from Gosney’s corner and three minutes later Jimenez fired home from the edge of the area.

The intensity of the elements grew stronger as the second half got underway.

During the first period, conditions were arguably in Andover’s favour but now Petersfield were the beneficiaries but this did not prevent Andover having the first opportunity.

A Gosney free kick was put into the area but the oncoming Adam Pearson could not quite add the finishing touch.

Just past the hour mark, Petersfield gained a free-kick just inside the Andover half.

Harry Tremlett’s volley went high, carried by the wind, before the ball suddenly dipped under the bar leaving Lloyd Thomas stranded as it flew into the net.

The goal gave the home side the excuse to raise their game and Thomas did well to see a thirty yard effort by Luke Boxall which he did well to push over the bar.

Eight minutes from time, Petersfield scored their equaliser and a somewhat surprising six minutes time added set up a frantic finish.

Andover had the best of the closing moments but were unable to achieve the breakthrough they were looking for to avoid penalties.

During the shootout, each side converted their first five spot kicks, so sudden death came into play.

Both sides missed their sixth penalties and each converted their seventh.

Andover then missed their eighth before Jordan Geddes settled the argument in Petersfield’s favour.

Town are back in Wessex League Premier Division action tomorrow (Saturday), as they host Bashley.

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