Romsey Town 1–3 Andover Town

The second instalment of this season’s Test Valley derby kicked off in warm spring sunshine, a welcome change from the week’s deluge. Andover won the first encounter this season 3-2 just before Easter and were hoping to repeat that performance today.

The game started quietly with both sides sizing each other up and most exchanges took place in a crowded midfield. Lewis Williams made one of his trademark runs down the right flank and in the 25th minute he surged into the box and flashed a great shot from 25 yards which the Romsey keeper palmed over. In truth the rest of the first half was a fairly turgid affair with neither side producing any real chances. But in the 44th minute Ben Emans was sin binned for showing dissent to the referee which seemed an unintelligent way to reduce the team to 10 men for 10 minutes which could potentially give Romsey the opportunity to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Half time score 0-0.

Perhaps with choice words in the dressing room at half time Town started the second half showing more purpose and in the 52nd minute, having just returned from the sin bin, Ben Emans took advantage of a goalkeeping fumble to score easily making the score 1-0. However Romsey were not done yet and a good move down their right flank freed up number 10 Cole who shot fiercely just over the bar so Andover had to be careful not to give away an equalizer. But this indeed came pretty soon when a corner from the left found unmarked substitute Bryant who headed home powerfully making the score 1-1.

So an exciting last quarter with both sides pushing for the winner and in the 79th minute a penalty to Andover was excellently converted by Josh Bertie. In the last 10 minutes Town were in control and the win was secured in the 90th minute when another great run down the left and a strong shot by Lewis Willaims produced the 3rd goal. This capped a fine individual performance by Williams whose speed and dribbling skill was a handful for Romsey throughout.

A 3-1 win for Andover which might go a little way to erasing the result at New Street last week. Only 2 matches left now, the first one on Thursday the 20th away at Millbrook with a 7.45 kick off and to finish off the season next Saturday against Fawley at Portway kick off 3.00.