In a one-sided affair that left Andover Town reeling, Hamworthy Rec showcased their dominance with a jaw-dropping 10-2 victory in a league matchup, writes Roger Fawcett.

As the teams descended upon the picturesque grounds of Hamworthy Rec, Andover faced the formidable challenge of taking on the table-toppers, Hamworthy Rec, who had yet to taste defeat this season and were known for their prolific goal-scoring record.

The stage was set under the warm sunshine and pristine playing conditions, reminiscent of a day at Wembley Stadium, complete with top-notch off-field facilities.

Sadly it was the worst possible start for Town as the home side scored from the kickoff. A break down the left and a fine cross was met by number 9 Chris Long who scored in the 46th second. (1-0)

It was to be the start of an incredible afternoon for Long. It’s pretty difficult to describe what happened next. Andover’s defence was totally absent right from the kick-off and amazingly Chris Long seemed to score every time he got the ball.

Indeed he scored another four goals in the ninth, 16th, 20th and 28th minute —  surely it must be a record amount of time for anyone to score five goals.

To say that Andover were abject would be an understatement.

Another goal came in the 35th minute with an own goal when an almost comical lob over keeper Bufton made the score 6-0.

Things could not possibly get any worse but they surely did when the Town centre back was sent off after preventing a goal by being the last defender.

Thanks for small mercies, Hamworthy did not score again, although they easily could have, and the score at half-time was 6-0.

The start of the second half absolutely mirrored the start of the first half when George Deem waltzed through the defence to make the score 7-0 in the 49th minute.

Hamworthy continued to score at will as the second half progressed.

Number 7 Tyler Rudd completed what must be the easiest hat-trick imaginable with goals in 60th, 70th and 81st minutes (a penalty) to make the score 10-0, still with ten minutes to go. 

And then in an almost bizarre end to the match, Andover scored two very well-taken goals to make the final score 10-2.

Hamworthy were excellent throughout and already look like champions-elect, they thoroughly deserved their victory.

Town were truly shocking and at this rate it is difficult to see where the next points are coming from.

At the end, some of the Hamworthy Committee said how sad they were to witness the decline of Andover Town.

The stark fact is that it is not lack of effort from any of the Andover players, rather it is that the present squad just do not have the level of skill and ability to compete in this division. Relegation sadly looms for Town.