Downton 1–0 Andover Town

Andover Town travelled to Salisbury to face a Downton side formidable at home and still looking towards automatic promotion back to the Wessex Premier Division. After the successes of the previous week, Andover came in to the game full of confidence after keeping free scoring Bemerton goalless and deservedly taking all three points. Harrison Hale returned to the starting line up after a prolonged spell out with Andover supporters hoping he could hit the run of form he experienced earlier in the season.

The first half was a typical tight affair with both sides working hard off the ball but neither side exerting any superiority over the other. Chances were limited in the first 30 minutes until Tylek in the Downton goal collided with his defender whilst attempting to clear the ball. The ball ricocheted out to Josh Bertie on the edge of the box and with only a defender between him and the goal, a weak effort saw the defender comfortably stretch out his leg to clear the ball. This proved the only worthwhile chance in the half.

Downton 0 – 0 Andover Town

Within four minutes of the restart, Downton’s centre forward, Robbie Owen almost opened the scoring, missing from close range after a cross alluded everyone. Moments later, Bertie again found himself through on goal but Tylek stood strong, palming away his effort straight to the feet of Zac Hine who blazed over the rebound. The game was opening up for both sides. Jamie Weeks’ outstretched leg failed to meet a cross before Ben Starr cut in from the right only to see Dave Tasker in the Andover goal push the ball away for a corner. The game was delayed for an injury but when Downton were able to take the resulting set piece, TJ Moseley capitalised on slack marking to head the home side in front. Andover chased frantically for a deserved equaliser with Ben Emans seeing his effort saved before Hine dragged a short wide of the far post. With 8 minutes remaining, Andover had the ball in the net, Hine tapping in from close range. However, the whistle had blown but to many people’s surprise, a penalty wasn’t awarded for what looked a clear handball but instead, given to the home side in error. The final chance of the game came when Rueben Smith crossed only for Bertie to be put off by a charging Tylek.

Andover will reflect on more dropped points. Again they demonstrated that they are a match for the top teams but poor finishing continues to cost them. With some additions, they have the capacity and potential to push for promotion next season but goals win games and a lack of them at present is costing them dear.