Andover Town1–2○Totton & Eling

Andover Town welcomed mid-table Totton & Eling to Portway hoping to continue the good form which they showed in the midweek defeat away at Newport IoW. A dull but calm afternoon with no wind and the pitch looking remarkably firm despite incessant rain during the week.

Both teams started brightly with both Andover full backs getting forward whenever possible and attacking with intent. The first chance in the 14th minute fell to Owen Trapnell who was up for the corner but pushed his shot just wide of the post. The match continued with both teams showing real intent with energetic end to end play. An early chance fell to Totton’s number 9 Yeadon who fired in a fierce shot which skimmed the crossbar. Andover increasingly took control and were playing well with good movement especially through midfield. So it was bitterly disappointing and against the flow when keeper Devon Twigg sadly dropped an innocuous cross in the 31st minute which fell right at the feet of Totton’s number 9 Harry Yeadon who gleefully slid the ball into an empty net. Score 1-0 to Totton. However Andover continued to press forward and were causing problems for the Totton defence but in the 45th minute the visitors almost got the second goal with a shot which thudded against the bar. Half-time score 1-0 to Totton. The first half was a pretty even contest and the score did not reflect Town’s efforts.

The second half started with a similar pattern of end to end play and with both teams pushing forward with conviction. Almost straight away Jake Parton fastened onto a loose ball on the edge of the area, beat a couple of defenders and fired in a low shot to make the score 1-1. So it looked like the match could go either way as the half progressed. The pace picked up considerably and both teams had good chances but in the 80th minute a defensive mistake let in Harry Yeadon to get his second to make it 2-1 to Totton. Andover threw everything into it for the last ten minutes but despite their valiant efforts were unable to get the equalizer. It has to be said though that Totton managed the half out very well.

Sadly another defeat for Town but the score did not accurately reflect how a much improved Andover played with no reward. They would play worse than this as the season nears its end and pick up points. Another mid week match on Tuesday March 19th with the Test Valley derby away at Romsey Town kick off 7.45pm. This is the fixture which Andover won 3-2 back in the October which was made void because Town allegedly fielded an ineligible player, a decision by the league which was hotly disputed.