○Romsey Town6–0Andover Town

Last season’s winners of the Russell Cotes Cup Andover Town crashed out of this years competition at the first hurdle. Whilst Romsey Town were the worthy winners the final score line gives a false interpretation of Andover’s overall performance. At either end of the pitch Andover lacked cohesion but in the middle third they often out performed their opponents. With several players on the injury list, Josh Bertie away on international duty and a delay in completing the paperwork for Gary Thorne’s transfer Andover were not at full strength. However this did not prevent them creating the first chance of the game but Owen Trapnell’s deep cross was a touch too deep and Shaquille Gwengwe was unable to make the decisive connection. With ten minutes gone Romsey scored twice in two minutes leaving Andover a difficult hill to climb. The first was fortuitous when a free kick taken by Jack Odam,from wide on the right appeared to be drifting wide of the far post but dipped over Kieran McHardy into the back corner of the net. The second came when Odam latched on to a long ball over the Andover defence and duly fired in beyond McHardy’s reach. A precise tackle by Nathan Lunness prevented a third goal in as many minutes Nickoy Pinnock’s header was well saved at the other end. This good effort heralded the start of a good spell for Andover which included Trapnell’s long distance effort that was not too far away. However Andover were still unable to get the ball over the line and were duly punished when Odam converted a cross from the left to complete his hat trick.

Half time - Romsey Town 3-0 Andover Town

Ten minutes after the restart Andover conceded a sloppy goal to give Romsey an unassailable advantage.Attempting to clear their lines the ball instead went straight to Dan Fox who smashed a twenty yard volley back into the empty net. Arguably Andover’s best chance of the match arrived just past the hour mark.Lewis Wakeford held off several challenges before attempting to beat the keeper who was fortunate to be able to make the save. With fifteen minutes left Romsey scored their fifth from a header at the far post following a corner.McHardy’s excellent anticipation denied Odam a fourth goal before two minutes from time yet another long range volley brought Romsey their final goal.