○Hamworthy Recreation5–0Andover Town

A relatively long trip for Andoveer Town today as they travelled to Canford Magna near Wimborne to play league newcomers Hamworthy Recreation. In the first match of the season Town won 4-2 but Hamworthy have improved a lot as the season has developed and are now just below us in the league. Their stadium, club house and ground are very impressive and must rank as some of the best facilities of any team in Division 1. Kick off was greeted by dismal wet and cold conditions typical of late November. Again the team sheet showed 4 key players were absent and unable to travel.

With one of the quickest goals of the season Hamworthy scored on 29 seconds. Worryingly the defence was easily pierced and striker Chris Long ran through and slotted the ball home with the markers marking space not attackers. In truth and with hindsight Andover never recovered from the start and there followed a blitzkrieg by Hamworthy in the first half which, were in not for a plethora of outstanding saves from Steinborn-Busse, would have resulted in the proverbial cricket score. Town were run ragged by the opposition’s front men and midfielders who looked a different class. No surprise then that Long scored his second and Jack Satterley added another to make the half time score 3-0 to Hamworthy. Total domination from them and if anything the score line flattered Town. Something radical had to be said at half time and things could not get any worse.

A better start to the second half saw JJ Tucker break through on the left and deliver a good cross to Jorge Rodriguez who headed just wide. As the second half progressed Andover certainly upped the anti which would not have been difficult to do and in the 54h minute David Jerrard created a good chance for Jake Watson who from the edge of the penalty area fired just wide. But in the 57th minute Hamworthy effectively put the game to bed when Chris Long completed his hat-trick with again the Andover defence being scythed through. Heads dropped and Long completed the rout when he scored his 4th goal in the 73rd minute. The game drifted towards the end and it looked like Andover were just glad to get back into the changing room with no further goals . Final score 5-0 to Hamworthy. A thoroughly well deserved result and Andover looked completely chastened at the end by their performance.

One of two things could now happen. Either Andover’s slide down the table could continue or somehow the spirit, fight and endeavour in the early part of the season could put them back on the winning track. Next match is against Ash United at Portway on Saturday December 3rd kick off 3pm.