Andover Town0–5○Hamworthy Recreation

Town were facing the daunting prospect of taking on a Hamworthy Rec side who are league leaders and champions elect. They have had a fantastic season to date, played 32, won 29, drawn 3 and zero defeats. With their level of ability they will trouble many teams in the Premier League next season. Their current goal difference is plus 101 against Andover’s negative 93.

A strong breeze greeted both teams at the kick off with Andover playing towards the Charlton end. Both teams settled quicky and both teams attacked with conviction. In the reverse fixture at Hamworthy back in October Andover were 3-0 down after ten minutes and that was certainly not the same this afternoon which was a pretty even contest. But in the 17th minute number 7 Aaron Roberts opened the scoring for Hamworthy by meeting a left wing cross and steering the ball into the net. Andover continued to play quite controlled football and were certainly not being overrun at this stage. Eventually though Hamworthy’s class began to show and quickly built up a 3 goal lead by scoring twice in the 21st and 34th minutes. The Hamworthy striker and number 9 Chris Long scoring his 44th and 45th goal of the season. Town were not overrun in the first half and strung together some promising phases of play but the first half ended with Hamworthy leading by 3 goals to nil. However, Andover were down to ten men when Adam Angus got a second yellow and was red carded.

In truth the second half followed much the same pattern as the first. Although down to ten men, Andover certainly showed no lack of effort but Hamworthy always had more time on the ball and more control of it. There were few real scoring chances for Andover and no real surprise when Chris Long completed his hattrick by netting in the 61st minute to make the score 4-0 to the visitors. Hamworthy comfortably controlled the game for the last 15 minutes and number 10 George Deem completed the scoring in the 81st minute to make 5-0 to Hamworthy at the final whistle.

So a comfortable victory for the away side but Town were certainly not embarrassed by the scoreline which they were in the reverse fixture which ended 10-2 to Hamworthy. Town battled on to the end but were eventually well beaten by undoubtedly the best side they have faced this season. The next match is on Tuesday April 9th at Portway kick off 7.45 against the revitalized New Milton Town.