Soton University III 1 Andover II 2

Andover cemented their position at top of the league with this win.

As the whistle blew the heavens opened but both teams were quick off the mark.

Andover started to take charge toward the close of the first half, which led to a late goal from Mark Frost.

Southampton desperately fought back and after much persistence and high pressure hockey put away an equaliser.

Andover pushed forward and upped the pace and after a couple of sideline changes and some great hockey Dan Allen put away the winning goal.

 

City of Portsmouth III 8 Andover III 3

Andover III lost to top of the table City of Portsmouth on Saturday as the home team demonstrated the higher level experience of some of their players to the full.

Andover battled bravely throughout, especially when Gary Holmes received a nasty head injury.

It was often simple errors which provided Pompey with many of their opportunities and although 5-0 down at the end of the first half they were not prepared to throw in the towel and a penalty flick saw Matt Bowry score his first of the game, soon followed by a second.

Andover’s final goal was scored by Tom Lee who received a great pass from man of the match Ben Evans, which he deftly flicked into the back of the net.

 

Andover Diamonds 2 Bournemouth Vets 3

A win would have taken Andover to the top of the division, but they underperformed against a solid but unspectacular Bournemouth team.

Bournemouth finished more clinically, and were ahead twice midway through the half – but on each occasion Andover responded quickly to get back on level terms. The game was decided by a sharp turn and shot from the top of the circle into the bottom corner and despite one way traffic for the last 20 minutes as Andover pressed for an equaliser Bournemouth clung on to deny the home side a point.

Diamonds take on Reading in round two of the National Over 40s Cup on Sunday at 1.30pm at John Hanson School.