Andover Town1–0○Stratton Juniors

After the intended Salisbury fixture as rearranged Wiltshire Premier League club, Stratton Juniors came in to provide Andover Town’s third pre season opponents.

Through the match Andover were the dominant and better side but they missed chances galore and that may be of concern to the coaching staff.Admittedly several players picked up knocks in the Eastleigh game and with the visit to Salisbury on the horizon were not risked but the final score line flattered Stratton more than Andover. During the early stages Owen Trapnell’s twenty five yarder was just tipped over the bar and soon after Zak Hine’s similar effort went the same way. The visitors did have their opportunity's and were unlucky that a header from close range hit the bar. On any other day it may have ricochet back into play for a second bite of the apple. Ben Emans and man of the match Zac Hine were always a threat but their constant balls into the box found the target missing. So on the thirty minute mark Zac Hine found space some thirty yards out and duly fired in a low shot that left the goalkeeper stranded. Andover’s cause was not helped when Adam Patterson went off with a thigh injury and Emans must still be wondering how he fired over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Half time - Andover Town 1-0 Stratton Juniors

As far as goalmouth action was concerned the second half had little to recommend it. For long periods Dave Tasker was a mere on looker as play was confined to the visitors half. Just past the hour mark Emans did find the back of the net but the goal was ruled out apparently because the ball went out of play during the build up. Stratton defended well but they were never seriously in too much difficulty. However as the match entered the final ten minutes Michael Donavans shot was heading goalwards before taking a deflection and harry Barkway’s header deserved better but struck the bar.