Paulsgrove 0–3 Andover Town

Town travelled down the M27 today to Cosham to play Paulsgrove at the very impressive Hampshire FA football hub which was built last year at a cost of £8 million, featuring a couple of 3G pitches, new changing rooms, bar and restaurant. Andover were hoping to complete the double today having beaten Paulsgrove on a very hot August afternoon in the first match of this season.

Both teams started on the front foot and the Paulsgrove striker skimmed the bar with a long range shot in the 5th minute. Both teams started well and the match flowed nicely with good end to end action. Despite strong pressure from Town still no goals after 25 minutes but the deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute when a fierce shot from Luke Holden struck the underside of the crossbar and crashed into the net to make the score 1-0. The away side grew more dominant as the half progressed and it was no surprise when they had the ball in the net on the 44th minute only for the goal to be disallowed because of a very marginal offside decision. Half-time score 1-0 and it was to be hoped that Andover didn’t get to rue the fact that they had not scored again, as the old cliché goes one goal is never enough.

The second half began with Andover very much in control and moving very well without creating a real scoring chance until the 65th minute when a great shot from Luke Holden was tipped just over by the Paulsgrove keeper. But the pressure paid off in the 69th minute when a low shot by Henry Braggington struck sweetly from the edge of the area flew into the net to make the score 2-0. As the game entered the final quarter Town were well on top and almost increased their lead in the 78th minute when they hit the post with a great shot from Jacob Burrows. And then in the 80th minute Ryan Morgans fastened on to a loose ball in the penalty area and crashed the ball home to make the score 3-0. Town cantered through the last 10 minutes finishing as very worthy winners with the final score 3-0.

An impressive performance today from Andover which should stand them in good stead for the rest of the season as they push for promotion back to the Wessex League. The next match is at Portway on Saturday March 1st kick-off 2pm against Moneyfields Reserves.