Andover Town4–2○Alresford Town

Andover Town put in an exquisite second half performance to come from behind and win their first game of the new league against Alresford Town. Goals from Alex Dockree and Ben Simpson as well as a penalty from Liam Gilbert gave Andover a 4-2 victory, having been 1-0 down at half time. John Robson named a largely unchanged line-up to the one that beat Royal Wootton Bassett Town the previous game, as Alex Dockree and the returning Connor Cocklin replaced Joe Woodward and Craig Blakeman. Alresford named a strong team having had their first match against Team Solent abandoned, with Daniel Kempson, Chris Mason and Geoff Dunn all starting. Alresford took control of play at the beginning of the game, and were able to take the lead after a well worked corner gave Geoff Dunn the chance to head from close range and send the ball into the opposite corner of the goal. Town looked to hit back, but could only get a few chances when Adam Grange was able to cut in off his wing and curl a deflected shot over the crossbar, giving Andover a hill to climb going into the second half. Andover came out of the traps quickly after the break and fired in an equaliser when a long ball from Jamie Bray reached Alex Dockree, who headed the ball over the charging keeper Kempson to level the score. A second came soon after as substitute Shane Lock was brought down in the box by Alresford centre back Aaron Blaxall inside the penalty area. Liam Gilbert took the opportunity to score his second penalty in 2 games, with his well-placed shot tipped into the goal by the Alresford keeper. Town extended their lead to two with a brilliant team effort midway through the second half. After a blistering run down the right wing by winger Grange, his pass to Shane Lock meant that he could excellently play in Alex Dockree, whose shot curled round Kempson to help put Andover in control. Alresford put themselves back in the game after substitute Tom Richards was brought down in the box, only for Chris Mason to send Bray the wrong way to reduce the deficit. Substitute Ben Simpson put the game out of Alresford’s reach with a great volley from the edge of the box after Town pushed the ball forward on the counter attack. Simpson’s shot blasted past the goalkeeper from 20 yards out to bring the game to 4-2. The Game was marred in the final minutes when Alresford had captain Mason sent off. having fouled Adam Grange, the centre back appeared to spit into the Andover players face, for which referee Michael Fogt had no choice but to show the player red. Andover will now travel to Fareham at the weekend having secured their first points of the season, looking to win yet again.