Andover Town5–0○Andover New Street

Our final pre-season match with our neighbours Andover New Street on Saturday 30th July at the Portway Stadium ended with us winning 5-0

Goals from Adam Grange,Liam Gilbert, Chris Onoufriou (2) & Craig Stanley.

All profits go to the Charity 'Cancer Research UK'

There was a minutes silence in memory of Marion Stephens (Mother of Cliff Stephens) & Bob Haynes who passed away recently.

A good crowd attended and were treated to an entertaining game. There was of course the usual pre-season substitutions. Andover Town rounded off their pre-season preparation with this charity match against their local rivals. The game was played in aid of Cancer Research and a perpetual cup was donated by Cliff Stevens as it is hoped that the fixture can become a regular pre-season event. Town were missing several players through illness and holidays but Manager John Robson was still able to start the game with a strong line up. Town started well and after several skirmishes at both ends opened the scoring just past the ten-minute mark. Andover New Street Goalkeeper Dave Tasker did brilliantly to turn Danny Urry’s bullet header round the post. However, the respite was brief as from the resulting corner Adam Grange found space at the near post to beat Tasker from close range. The visitors best chance of the half fell to Jayden Englefield but his header went over the bar when it looked easier to score. Midway through the half Tasker appeared to have Liam Gilbert’s free kick covered but somehow the ball found the back of the net leaving Tasker and most of the crowd bemused. Any thoughts that New Street may have had of taking the cup back to Foxcotte Park were finally dispelled when Chris Onoufriou scored twice in three minutes just before the interval. The first was a penalty after Grange was brought down and then following some good play by Danny Urry, Chris Onoufriou scored from the rebound after his first effort was blocked. With both sides making a pleather of changes during the second half the game became more sedate and Andover used the opportunity to give a runout to several of the youngsters who have come through The Sparsholt Academy including Craig Stanley who took the opportunity to score the fifth and arguably best goal of the game.

The cup was presented to the winners and the game is to be a regular match each season using alternative venues.

We wish Andover New Street all the very best for the coming season.