Andover Town 0–1 Bemerton Heath Harlequins

Andover Town came out of a closely fought game with Bemerton Heath Harlequins unlucky not to get a point, as they lost their second successive league game losing 0-1. Despite chances at both ends, Town weren’t able to come out on top as they lost at the Portway. Andover named a similar side to the one that was narrowly beaten by Fareham at the weekend, with changes for the injured Danny Urry and for Ben Simpson. JJ Tucker and Rudy Plummer took their places. Bemerton named a strong team which had beaten Cowes Sports 2-1 on Saturday. Scott Joyce and Jon Blake both started, with Max Frampton also in the first team line-up. Both teams fought for control of the first half, and midway through Bemerton almost broke the deadlock, as Jon Blake’s shot rocketed from the outside of the box and rattled against the cross bar to almost give them their first goal of the game. However, this came minutes later, as a well worked corner gave Blake the chance to head the ball in to the bottom corner of Craig Atkinsons goal for what turned out to be the only goal of the game. Andover nearly equalised late in the first half when Liam Gilbert’s corner fell to Alex Dockree, who’s header could only fly across the goalmouth and out for a goal kick. After a slow start to the second half, Andover and Bemerton both had great chances to score within minutes of each other. A Town corner from Liam Gilbert came to nothing as the ball flew past the heads of the Andover players, but Bemerton looked to strike on the counter attack, and almost doubled their lead when Jake Rawkins’ shot was well stopped on the floor by keeper Atkinson, to keep Andover in the game. Adam Grange almost gave Andover a goal after a brilliant run past the Bemerton defenders, which resulted in his deflected shot being put behind for a corner. Andover couldn’t capitalise on the set piece though, as goalkeeper Max Frampton punched the ball clear from the in swinging cross. Town Manager John Robson looked to put fresh legs in to the game, as Rudy Plummer and JJ Tucker were replaced by Craig Blakeman and Cassius Newton. It was Bemerton who got the chance to score once more, as Sam Griffin failed to tap the ball in after a scramble in the penalty area which resulted in the ball being cleared well by the Andover defence. After Andover could not win in the air from a strong defensive display by Bemerton, they go into their FA Cup game against Spelthorne Sports without a win in 2 games, and will desperately look for some success before they face local rivals Whitchurch United in a few weeks’ time.