Andover Town2–0○Bashley

We gain our 3rd home league win of the season beating Bashley 2-0, both goals came in the second half. Plus a good attendance of 125.

Report .....After a uninspiring first half this game came to life during the second period which saw two goals ,one very late and both teams reduced to ten men,raising the possibility that this was indeed the proverbial “game of two half's”. Manager Glenn Burnett handed debuts to his latest signings Liam Hibberd and Jordan Brackstone and with the return of Ross Gregory these were the only changes to the side that started the previous game. Returning from injury Zach Glasspool and Alex Dockree were included on the Subs bench.

Neither side managed a shot on target during the first half. Shane Lock came closest for Andover whilst Reece Rusher and Liam Gilbert had a couple of half chances. At the other end Bashley also had a couple of chances the best of which came inside the opening five minutes but the effort from close range flew over the bar. So it remained a goaless first half.

Both sides showed more determination as the second half got underway. Andover certainly upped their game and deservedly took the lead on the hour mark with a fine individual goal. Adam Grange celebrating his birthday cut in from the right past three opponents before curling a left footed shot into the corner of the net. Once a side breaks a deadlock there is always a danger of a quick response from the opponents and so it was no surprise when Tony Rolls hit a screamer from twenty five Yards two minutes later however, he was denied the swift equaliser by the first of two superlative saves by Lloyd Thomas. Further Danger for Town came with a free kick on the edge of the area but Sean Wright wasted the chance, firing high over the bar. Shortly after Wright almost redeemed himself but the second save by Thomas kept Andover in the game. Three minutes from the end of normal time McCaulie Stubbs was the victim of a reckless tackle by Kabba Jack, Liam Gilbert forcibly remonstrated with Jack who responded and both players were shown straight red cards. Play in the remaining minutes was frantic until in the sixth minute of added time Harrison Fay broke clear down the left and from an acute angle fired home to secure a vital three points for Andover.