Andover Town 1–0 Salisbury

With Salisbury having played Swindon Town Twenty Four hours earlier the Southern League club were represented in this game by fringe and academy players who made their presence felt throughout. The storms during the evening steered clear of The Portway but heavy rain fell during the first half, making the conditions awkward. Despite the weather Andover Town played some great football but found the visiting Goalkeeper, on loan to Salisbury from Havant and Waterlooville, in outstanding form. He saved well efforts from Luke Dempsey, Zach Glasspool and Mike Gosney. Therefore it was somewhat ironical that a mix up with his defenders let in Shane Lock to score Town’s goal. During the final minutes of the first period Zach Glasspool had a goal ruled out for offside before Lock broke through again and remarkably the keeper managed to get a hand on the ball at the expense of a corner.

HALF TIME

Once the second half got underway the rain had moved on. Salisbury came more into the game and former Town Star Claudio Herbert had the visitors best opportunity. At the other end the Salisbury keeper continued his good work saving long range volleys by Alex Dockree, Gosney and Glasspool. Apart from an own goal Town have yet to concede a pre season goal and given their defensive problems last season the Town faithful will see that as a good sign as the seasons opening day draws closer.

Team - THOMAS, HIBBERD, WRIGHT, SANTAFE-VIVO, PEARSON, DEMPSEY, RUSHER, DOCKREE, GLASSPOOL, LOCK, GOSNEY.

Also used - McHARDY, CHAMBERLAIN, BLAKEMAN, GREGORY, JIMENAZ.