Andover Town4–2○Bemerton Heath Harlequins

Andover Town secured their place in the quarter finals of the Russell Cotes Cup with this hard fought victory over local league rivals Bemerton Heath Harlequins. The win was achieved despite Manager Glenn Burnett making five changes from the previous match and showed that his squad has strength in depth going into the second half of the season. Bemerton came into the game looking to extend an unbeaten run of six games and only beaten once in thirteen so consequently the outcome was always in doubt until Andover scored their fourth goal five minutes from time.

Not too many chances were created in the opening stages. Both goalkeepers were kept busy before Andover took the lead slightly against the run of play. Reece Rusher worked the ball through a crowded area to George Hallahan who made space before firing in from twelve yards. Within a minute Rusher was brought down inside the area. There was no dispute that it was a penalty and George Hallahan neatly converted the spot kick. Toward the end of the first half Bemerton enjoyed what was to become their best spell of the game. Kieran McHardy made two vital reaction saves from excellent strikes by Seb Dawes. However the visitors had better luck shortly after when following a corner Andover conceded an own goal and another hundred plus crowd realised it was game on.

Half time - Andover Town 2-1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins

As the second period got underway it became apparent that Andover’s narrow advantage was not going to be enough and the point was well made as a stinging shot by Jake Burgess skimmed the the crossbar. However Andover brought themselves some time with a well worked third goal. From wide on the left Ben Cook’s free kick into the area was touched on by Alex Dockree and Joe Wright found space to score from close range. A fierce Reece Rusher volley was well saved by Rob Crossley as Andover now took the chance to enjoy their best period. However Bemerton could not be under estimated and with ten minutes left the tallest player on the pitch Rob Matthews rose even higher to plant a header beyond McHardy’s reach and set up an anxious finish. Three minutes later having used all their substitutes Andover were forced to complete the match with ten men after McAulie Stubbs was injured and unable to continue. Such is the strength of character in the Andover squad that they were able to turn this set back to their advantage. Five minutes were left as Rusher forced Crossley into a fine save but the keeper was unable to control the ball and George Hallahan quickly responded to put away the rebound and complete his hat trick.

Andover will play Paulsgrove in the next round on a date to be confirmed. They return to league action on Saturday when they entertain Cowes Sports and then in midweek travel to Amesbury for a Salisbury Hospital Cup Tie.