Downton 2–0 Andover Town

This was another good team effort by Andover Town but it was not quite enough against a strong Downton team. The sleet and snow that was forecast failed to materialise in South Wiltshire and despite recent rain the pitch was in good condition. Andover made three changes to the side that started the previous match at New Milton. Kieran McHardy resumed in goal and there was a place on the bench for the latest signing George Murge.

Downton started the in top gear and their speedy forwards gave the vistors some early problems.There was a physical element to their game committing nine fouls inside the opening fifteen minutes earning two cautions.Andover weathered this storm but they were again put under considerable pressure during a ten minute spell leading up to half time. During this period Downton rattled the goal frame twice and McHardy excelled making three fine and important saves to keep Andover in the game. Arguably his best came when the dangerous Tom Mosley burst through but McHardy was quick off the line to save well on the edge of the eighteen yard box. During this period Andover’s only real chance was from a free kick that was on target but turned away for a corner.Just before the interval both side were involved in some shenanigans in front of both dugouts for reasons that were not clear when viewed from the opposite side of the ground.

Half time - Downton 0-0 Andover Town

During the second half there was more purpose to Andover’s game but not for the first time this season the finishing was wayward.Jordan Ragguette missed out on a one on one with the goalkeeper and then was unfortunate not to latch on to Josh Bertie’s cross. A neat flick by Bertie deserved a better reward than skimming the cross bar and then his cross come shot rolled along the crossbar to safety. So it was rather against the run of play that Downton took the lead with twenty minutes left.A free kick into the danger area was not dealt with adequately and Mosley finally got the final touch. McHardy produced another fine save to keep Andover’s hopes alive but even he could not prevent the second goal which arrived in the third minute of added time and was scored by Diego Romero who had been a constant menace throughout.