Andover Town0–1○Whitchurch United

Andover Town were hoping to put their humiliating defeat on Saturday behind them with the visit of Whitchurch United to Portway on a pleasant summer evening. The visitors had lost their first 3 league games quite heavily so tonight was a chance for Andover to claim their first win of the season. Kimron Quashie returned to the defence which should straighten that area. Over the years this match against Whitchurch has always been a very closely fought local derby.

Andover started quite brightly and looked in far better shape than on Saturday so it was disappointing when a handball in the area resulted in a penalty for Whitchurch in the 18th minute which was coolly converted by Parry to make the score 0-1. Newcomer Jacob Beatson on the left wing was looking lively and he almost scored in the 20th minute when the keeper saved acrobatically. The first 30 minutes of the half were evenly matched with both teams pushing forward against resolute defences. Andover were frequently caught offside though and as the first half ended honours were pretty even. Half time score 1-0 to Whitchurch.

Again Town started the second half quite brightly and in the 52nd minute a great through ball from Quashie found Malachi Johnson whose shot was pushed round the far post for a corner. More and more pressure from Town as the half progressed with several chances being created. The best effort came from Zach Hine in the 63rd minute when his fierce 30 yard drive was tipped over by the Whitchurch keeper. Despite being on top for most of the half Town couldn’t fashion a goal and the score ended with a 1-0 defeat.

Andover were definitely better than last Saturday but the impression was that these are two very average teams who may well struggle to avoid relegation this season. The next match is away at big spending Fleetlands who are now managed by Steve Claridge, kick off 3pm on Saturday August 19th.