Andover Town 0–1 Newport (IoW)

After the frenetic ending to Andover Town’s game against Romsey Town on the Tuesday, they approached this match with optimism against a side coming off the back of a stalemate with U.S. Portsmouth midweek. The wind failed to prevent the islanders coming over but the breakdown of two vehicles on route did little to help their preparations. For Andover, Gary Thorne started his ban after his dismissal against Totton & Eling.

For large parts of the first half, both teams cancelled each other out. A congested midfield prevented Ethan O’Kelly, Diaz-Benitez and skipper, Tom Pattison from getting a foothold in the game. Neither side created clearcut chances although that changed on 23 minutes when Newport’s O’kelly scored from a free kick needlessly given away, beating Dave Tasker to his right hand side. Andover should have drawn level almost immediately, Streeter saving from Emans from point blank range, the ball somehow trickling past the post when it looked destined for the back of the neat.

HT - Andover Town 0-1 Newport (IoW)

The anticipated onslaught from Andover never materialised early in the second half, a well organised and disciplined Newport side defending with ease. However, as the half wore on the game opened up. Andover started playing more direct with greater fluency and speed leading to chance after chance. Twice, efforts hit the post whilst Holmes and Pattison both came close. Emans was posing more problems playing centrally whilst Brendan Holmes had acres of space time and again down the right. With greater conviction, Andover should have converted several chances to, not only draw level, but to win the game. The frustration at the final whistle was clear for all to see. Andover will reflect on three lost points but will take heart from the number of chances created. They will be hoping to pick up three points when Fawley travel to the Portway on Saturday in the league.