Andover Town put in a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against league leaders Hamworthy Rec in a 5-0 defeat.

Hamworthy Rec They have had a fantastic season to date (played 32, won 29, drawn 3, and zero defeats).

In the reverse fixture at Hamworthy back in October Andover were 3-0 down after 10 minutes, which ended 10-2 to the home side.

However, the Andover fixture was certainly not the same as it started as an even contest. But in the 10th minute, number 7 Aaron Roberts opened the scoring for Hamworthy by meeting a left-wing cross and steering the ball into the net. (0-1)

Andover continued to play quite controlled football and were certainly not being overrun at this stage. Eventually, though Hamworthy’s class began to show and quickly built up a three-goal lead by scoring twice in the 22nd and 34th minutes.

The Hamworthy striker and number 9 Chris Long scored his 44th and 45th goal of the season to make it 0-3. 

In truth, the second half followed much the same pattern as the first.

Andover certainly showed no lack of effort but Hamworthy always had more time on the ball and more control of it.

There were few real scoring chances for Andover and no real surprise when Chris Long completed his hattrick by netting in the 75th minute to make the score 4-0 to the visitors.

Hamworthy comfortably controlled the game for the last 15 minutes and number 10 George Deem completed the scoring in the 85th minute to make 5-0 to Hamworthy at the final whistle.

Town battled on to the end but were eventually well beaten by undoubtedly the best side they have faced this season.