○Andover New Street0–0Andover Town

Despite being a friendly, Andover Town played out a highly competitive final pre-season game against local rivals, Andover New Street, in the annual charity event. Whilst neither side will look back fondly on how they played, both sides will be pleased with keeping a clean sheet against a divisional rival.

Town have shown noticeable improvements since the turn of the year and this has continued throughout pre-season to give hope to supporters after the challenges of the past 12 months. Ron Bertie and Jason Holmes’ side have added a couple of additions to the squad in order to bolster the side and build on last seasons steep learning curve. Neither side dominated in open play although Town will look back disappointed that they could not convert one of several chances that would have ended up as the winner. Defensively, there’s much to shout about but the success of the forthcoming campaign will hinge on replacing the goals of Gwengwe who has duelled signed with Blackfield & Langley. In the end, New Street took the spoils after winning the penalty shootout but that wasn’t the purpose of today. Instead, the aim was to raise money for charity and in particular, prostrate cancer. Thank you to all those who turned up and watched.

We look forward to seeing you at the Portway next Saturday (3pm KO) for the league opener against Totton & Eling where we hope the lads can start the season on the front foot.