Andover Town7–1○Hedge End Rangers

This victory brought Andover Town’s pre season to a satisfactory conclusion. Arguably it is not wise to read too much into the results but four wins and a draw from their five games augues well for the new season. In many respects this game was a mirror image of the Basingstoke game seven days earlier. Six first half Town goals were followed by one apiece in the second period. However despite the score line this game was much more competitive than the earlier one. The Rangers goalkeeper was inexperienced and could do little to prevent Zach Glasspool’s four goals and a a couple for Shane Lock. Lock’s goals were the result of the keepers errors whilst Glasspool’s best was a volley from just inside the centre circle.

Half time Andover Town 6-0 Hedge End Rangers

After the break the Andover second goalkeeper Kieran McHardy was “Loaned” to Hedge End and this contributed to a more even and competitive second half. Hedge End scored early in the second period and once or twice looked dangerous but the Andover back line were never overstretched. At the other end Reece Rusher was a constant threat throughout the Match and was rewarded for his efforts by scoring the seventh goal just before the final whistle. Connor Cocklin has returned to the club and was given a run out during the second half as was trialist Jody Thorpe recently released by Football League Two Chesterfield.

TEAM -THOMAS, HIBBERD, WRIGHT, GILBERT, DEMPSEY, STUBBS, SILVER, DOCKREE, GLASSPOOL, LOCK, RUSHER.

ALSO PLAYED - CHAMBERLAIN, COCKLIN, THORPE, STUBBS, FARREELY.

Andover were unbeaten in 6 pre-season matches - 5 wins & a draw - scoring 23 goals & conceeding 4