Andover Town0–3○Baffins Milton Rovers

Today’s tough game resulted in Andover Town losing at home in the league for the second time this season. Baffins had clearly prepared well for the match and managed to steal the magic from the Portway to achieve an unexpected win. There were moments of promise by the home side and valiant play by forwards and defenders alike, but none of it resulted in a successful attempt on goal. Andover struggled to take control of the game as Baffins picked away at any weaknesses they could find.

Andover started well attacking the Baffin’s goal in their inevitable way. A corner taken by Ben Cook in the first few minutes almost found Connor Cocklin in a goal scoring position but the referee blew for a foul in the penalty area and a free kick was awarded to the away side. It wasn’t long before Baffins found their stride and their first corner resulted in a strike which clattered the crossbar with Luke Cairney only able to watch as it went past. Luke Dempsey was called upon on a number occasions to stop the early away team attempts, both deflecting shots out for corners and towards Cairney to take. It was clear at an early stage of the game that Baffins were well organised and resolute to win the 3 points. They played Andover’s uncharacteristic match-day weaknesses well and closed down the home teams forwards effectively. Then, in the 20th minute, a successful challenge by Connor Cocklin left a Baffin’s forward chasing a ball which looked like it was going out for a corner kick. Cairney attempted to stop it and in the process, it appeared from the stand, to have gone out. The Andover players seemed to hesitate and Baffin’s didn’t need an invite to score as they passed the ball back where Jason Parish found himself unmarked with no keeper to beat. Immanuel Soetan found himself on the receiving end of a number of hard tackles and it was clear he was getting frustrated with the constant attention. Mike Gosney had an opportunity to open up the Baffin’s defence when he stood forward to take a free kick on his favourite spot of the pitch. This time he decided to cross in rather than target the goal and although it was well placed there was no-one to make contact. Then only six minutes after the first goal a very rare Andover defensive error led to Fadel Seibou crossing in to Parish where he once again made no mistake and scored their second. At this time the mood in the stand was still relatively upbeat as the fans had seen their team turn around games from two goals behind before. Andover have been prolific goal scorers this season so the home team followers still believed they would be victorious. However, only a few minutes later a Baffin’s throw in eventually found Shane Cornish unchallenged and aiming for goal. Baffin’s had scored their third and with still nearly 60 minutes of the game to play. Soetan found himself subject to another hard tackle and went down clearly in pain. He appeared to by clasping the foot that has kept him from playing the last few months. Although the injury seemed to have been treated on the pitch only a couple of minutes later he was substituted for Michael Hubbard. Before the first half came to an end Hubbard had a chance on goal when Liam Hibberd set him up for a shot that went just over.

Half Time Andover Town 0 Baffin Milton Rovers 3

The second half started slowly as Baffin’s Tommy Lee received an injury which required attention and resulted in him being substituted by Billy Musson. The next period of play was probability Andover’s best. Jason Silver took on three defenders in one ingenious move ending with Cook having his attempt put behind for a corner kick. The corner was taken and Dempsey went down in the area. There was a loud call for a penalty by the home team but the referee did not agree and play continued. Shortly afterwards Hubbard had a shot on goal which, if it had of gone in, would probably have been one of the most unusual. It was taken from some way out but not at any great pace. The Baffin’s defenders and goal keeper watched as it went past them all only to be stopped by the goal post. Andover continued to apply pressure and it wasn’t long before both Gosney and Silver ended up with opportunities that resulted in a spell of corners for the home team. During this period a tackle on Gosney resulted in Cornish being sent off. Andover were unable to take advantage of the free kick and the move ended with Silver putting the ball in the side netting. With approximately 20 minutes to go Reece Rusher was brought on to replace Silver and George Hallahan came on for Connor Cocklin. These substitutions were a clear statement that Manager Glenn Burnett had not given up as both these players have track records as goal scorers and makers. The final quarter of the game was a brave attempt to claw back to at least an even score. Rusher was unrelenting as he chased every ball and even fell back to defend when required. Zach Glasspool had a header on target, unfortunately with not quite enough force to beat Tony Male in goal. Hibberd had probably Andover’s last realistic attempt when his shot went just wide of the far goal post. The shot had been perfectly aligned with the supporters in the stand and, looked at one point, like it was going to just curl in. Although it was by no means the result Andover wanted, it is only one match. So the attention turns to Tuesday when they travel to Bashley in an effort to put things back on track.