Andover Town1–1○Whitchurch United

Local rivals Andover Town and Whitchurch were unable to take 3 points from their midweek league game, as honours were divided in what was a closely fought match. Goals for Callum Sweeney and Shane Lock meant that the two sides in the bottom half of the table weren’t able to get their second win of their league campaign, battling to a 1-1 draw. Andover looked to end their 3 game losing streak in the league by giving home debuts to Paul Coventry and Connor Whiteley, with last games goal scorer Liam Gilbert keeping his place in midfield. Mcaulie Stubbs and Adam Grange also started for the Town. The Jam Boys also named a strong side to try and add to their winning record, with Callum Sweeney and Ryan Lambert leading the attack for Whitchurch. Lewis Watch and Taurean Manders started in defence. Andover were able to create some good chances in the early stages of the game, and were almost able to capitalise after Adam Grange’s blistering run down the left wing. After running off the ball and a great pass from Whiteley, the winger’s shot nearly fired into the top corner except for an exceptional diving save from Whitchurch keeper Watch. It was only a few minutes after that Liam Gilbert came close to breaking the deadlock from a corner. After getting the ball on the outside of the box, his low cross rolled pass all of the waiting players, and had to be cleared off the line by Whitchurch defender Scott Hasell. However, it was United who took the lead shortly before half time. Striker Sweeney latched on to a brilliant ball from midfield, and was able to curl the ball round the onrushing goalkeeper Atkinson, and into the bottom corner to give The Jam Boys the advantage going into the break.

Town put Whitchurch on the back foot at the start of the second half, and made a great chance from a corner. As Craig Stanley played a great cross into Alex Dockree, whose header was deflected off a United defender and had to be palmed away from goal by the Whitchurch keeper. Town looked to get an equaliser once again, and with the scores level with 15 minutes to spare, McCaulie Stubbs’ in-swinging cross to Craig Blakeman gave Andover a great chance to score, but the full back was only able to head the ball over the cross bar for a goal kick. In the end it came down to Shane Lock to draw level late into the game. The Andover substitute was able to put the ball away in the middle of a crowded penalty area after some great play by Alex Dockree and Liam Gilbert, with his shot rolling into the bottom right corner to give Town a well-deserved equaliser. Andover go into the weekend trying to progress in the FA Cup, as they come against a tough test in Farnborough. Town, now with only 4 points from 6 games in the league.