Andover Town 1–3 Andover New Street

Without a doubt this was a game that the new young Andover Town team grew into. Unlike the friendly against Fareham last Saturday there was a cup being played for and premier league Andover New Street wanted to overturn the previous years results which have seen Town take the honours.

From the outset New Street looked the most dangerous and even though Town had an early chance with Shaquille Gwengwe the Town goal was under attack the most, as Kieran McHardy was called upon more often than he would have probably chosen. In the 11th minute Oliver Yates put New Street in the lead with a long shot from outside the penalty area. Town were then playing catch up and only ten minutes later New Street were awarded a penalty ,which fortunately for the home team, was put way over the bar by Callum Sweeney. As the half progressed Town put some progressively more impressive moves together. Jordan Ragguette and Gwengwe appear to be among the ones to watch as glimpses of undeniable skill were demonstrated by them for the home side. However the Town goal still looked vulnerable and it took some courageous goal line clearances by Owen Trapnell and Captain Brendan Holmes, to name just two, to keep the score to just one down at half time. As the end of the first half approached Town won two corners both of which could have resulted in a Nathan Lunness goal, unfortunately not today, but the potential was plain to see. McHardy prevented Max Allen twice just before the half time whistle, once by covering an attempt which hit the cross bar and a second shot which he took with confidence.

Half Time - Andover Town 0-1 Andover New Street

Even before the crowd had settled down in the stand after the break New Street had scored their second, this time Callum Sweeney didn’t miss his opportunity to get on the score sheet. Only minutes later Yates found himself with way too much room as the Town defenders concentrated on the player with the ball. Yates made no mistake once he received it and the New Street score had increased again. Town then began to make their mark on the game. Mark McAuley played a cracking second half with shots on target, saved by Dave Tasker, and on other occasions putting the ball just wide. McAuley and Gwengwe began to pull apart the away team’s defence and in the 55th minute Shaquille Gwengwe scored for Town with a sweet shot which left Tasker with no chance. This change in gear for the home side led to a visibly increased confidence level in the forward play. There were a number of shots on goal, not all on target, but clearly the intent was to attack until the end. Later in the game there were a number of substitutions for both sides and although there were no more goals the play continued to remain entertaining. Although Town did not manage to win the play was exciting and the team showed great promise for the new season to come.