Blandford and Sturminster 4 Andover 10

ANDOVER took another three points with an away trip to Blandford, staying clear at the top of league.

They started brightly, taking a two-goal lead within ten minutes from another James Pawley drag flick and a Jamie Hacker strike.

That two-goal cushion was short lived as Andover frustrated themselves allowing the opposition back into the game with a sloppy goal.

Some superb interchanging play throughout the whole team created plenty of chances for Andover’s forwards but more frustration kicked in with all the missed chances. The third goal came from some brilliant midfield work from George Allmark and some good fortune which put Hacker in to regain the two goal advantage. Sam Cowley put them 4-1 up quickly after that and then shortly before the break Blandford made it 4-2.

In the second half Andover took complete control with Sam Goacher and Cowley finding the net early on. Two penalty strokes put some fight back into Blandford before Hacker grabbed his third and fourth goals making it 8-4. Poor discipline from Blandford allowed Andover to extend their lead to double figures, Allmark scoring another individual effort and Anthony getting his third in three games with a fortunate touch lobbing the keeper. Andover play University of Portsmouth this weekend and will be looking to take another three points and staying top of the league.

 

Andover II 4 Isle of Wight 3

Andover II maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-3 win over Isle of Wight's first team and now sit top of the league.

However, it wasn't all fun and games, as they found themselves under the cosh and a goal down in the first five minutes from a short corner. It wasn't long before Richard Ship made it level with a smart shot but IOW soon had the advantage again from another short corner. Good link up from Dan Allen and Will Turner allowed Mark Frost to run onto a through ball and score but IOW soon scored again from another short corner before half-time, giving them the advantage.

Andover made hard work in the second half but created chances and made it difficult for IOW. Allen received the ball just inside the D and turned blind to score then more slick passing from Andover allowed them to penetrate IOW's D with Allen scoring the deciding goal.

 

Hamble III 3 Andover III 1

Andover III were recognised by all participants in Saturday’s game as demonstrating the better ability, domination and determination against Hamble but it was the home team who were two up at half-time, mainly due to errors. Tom Lee scored for Andover in the second half to give hope of a draw but a breakaway attack widened the gap again and no matter how hard Andover pressed, the amount of green cards Hamble received and the effort given by all players, especially man of the match Morgan Vanadel, it was not enough to avoid defeat.

 

Chichester Priory 0 Andover Diamonds 3

Saturday’s game at Chichester would prove be a real indicator of the progress the Andover side has made in the last 12 months. A year ago Chichester won both of these fixtures and they were one of the best sides in the league. This year Andover travelled with a realistic expectation of a win. It would also be a real test of the side’s promotion aspirations.

The first half saw both sides creating some good chances and Andover broke the deadlock with one of a number of flowing moves which saw Mike Boyne react fastest to put away a ball that was running just wide. Some really sharp passing involving Andover’s midfield (including man of the match, Jonathan Evans) delivered a pass to John Buckley who fired in a cracking shot to give the Diamonds a 2-0 lead. Mick Pumfrey, playing his first game this year at full back, then made a spectacular, crucial goal-line clearance with the goalie beaten, to deny Chichester a way back into the game. Just before half-time Boyne put away another half chance to give Diamonds a 3-0 lead and a useful cushion for the second half.

Andover played more defensively in the second half and didn’t create many more chances and in the end both sides appeared to settle for the 3-0 scoreline.

This was an excellent away performance and moves Diamonds to second in the league. A win against Bournemouth will take the side to the top of the table – just one-third of the way through the season.

 

Fareham Ladies 0 Andover Ladies 0

Andover Ladies travelled with five changes, and with Fareham one point ahead they knew they would have to work hard to get anything from the game.

From the outset Andover worked hard and linked well from defence to attack, and were solid and prevented several attacks, with Hannah Cowley, Eleri Watson and Liz Hacker strong in their tackling.

Their best chance fell to Alice Lord who was inches away following a well worked move but overall it was a fair result and a wellearned point.

 

Trojans Ladies III 0 Andover Ladies II 3

The Ladies II were aiming to get back to winning ways after back to back defeats in the league and they did not disappoint producing a very good performance resulting in a convincing win.

They started shakily though with Trojans having the better of the opening spell but Andover settled their nerves by taking the lead when a shot from Jacqui West was turned in by Sally Prior from close range then having another disallowed.

From a short corner Janette Griffiths-Jones squared to Sammy Meredith who flicked home the second before keeper Dana Shelley made a fine save meaning the Ladies went into the break with their two-goal advantage.

Player of the match Jodie Williams had an outstanding game at centre half and Alice Lord was a constant threat down the right hand side while the defensive trio of Bex Milton, Sarah Wiseman and Emily Lord ensured that Trojans rarely troubled the Andover keeper in the second half.

They ensured the points were safe when Griffiths-Jones slotted home the third goal on her birthday after a good run and pass from Alice Lord.

A fabulous team effort and confidence which they can take into their next match against Winchester on Saturday.