Andover Town3–3○Wimborne Town

After conceding two early goals in this preliminary round of the Emirates F.A. Cup, Andover Town fought back to score three of their own. Incredibly all five came inside a fifteen minute first half spell, but a early second half Wimborne strike forced a replay. Andover Town made two changes to the team that started the previous match. Mike Gosney replaced Jason Silver and McAulie Stubbs replaced the unavailable Luke Dempsey. The Wessex League Secretary John Gorman officially presented Chris White with his Groundsman of the year award prior to the match.

Andover made a bright start with Shane Lock failing by a whisker to convert Mike Gosney’s cross. As the match settled down the defending by both sides must have raised the blood pressure of the respective managers and it was no surprise when the visitors broke the deadlock just past the fifteen minute mark. Andover failed to cut out out a well timed through ball allowing Toby Holmes to plant a low shot beyond Lloyd Thomas. Straight from the kick off Andover gave the ball away again and Toby Holmes seized the opportunity to score his second within a minute. It was not long before the game moved into “Roy of the Rovers “ territory as Andover grabbed three goals in two minutes. Mike Gosney’s glancing header from Rusher’s assist reduced the arrears.This time it was Wimborne’s turn to give the ball away from the restart allowing Glasspool and Shane Lock to exchange passes before Zach Glasspool brought the scores level. For a second time Andover were much sharper at the restart and worked the ball into the area where Shane Lock fired Andover ahead and sent the home faithful into dreamland. As the interval approached Holmes thought he had scored again but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Half |Time Andover Town 3-2 Wimborne Town

The second half was only five minutes old when Wimborne brought the scores level as Toby Holmes completed his hat trick scoring from an acute angle. Andover who started the match with three at the back had by now adjusted to four and consequently were much more solid as both sides looked for the winning goal. Thomas made two vital interceptions to deny the dangerous Holmes and Dan Cann whilst at the other end the visiting goalkeeper Gerard Benfield did well to deny Reece Rusher. At this late stage Andover were the favourites to score the winner. Gosney twice went close whilst Benfield’s legs kept out efforts from Silver and Rusher. In time added on Thomas made another well judged save to ensure a replay and at the very least a place for Andover in the draw for the second qualifying round.