Totton & Eling 1–1 Andover Town

Despite extending their unbeaten run to 5 games, Andover Town left Totton disappointed that this was two dropped points that would have capitalised on the teams above them not playing and closing the gap at the top. Frustratingly, whilst gaining one place and moving above Andover New Street in the table, the number of teams with games in hand means it will be challenging to climb the table.

During the first 10 minutes, the visitors had the initiative, creating several chances through Adam Pattison, Tom Pattison and Ben Emans, all missing opportunities that, on another day, would have gone in. It is a recurring issue that has reared its head in the past, most noticeably in games against Newport and Andover New Street earlier in the season. Both ending in defeats. It felt that this game would go a similar way. The home side taking the lead through an Adam Pattison own goal just before half time. Higgins slipped at a crucial time and with Pattison coming across to cover, the ball ricochet off Pattison’s leg and past McHardy in the Andover goal.

Half time - Totton & Eling 1-0 Andover Town

Behind at half time, Andover dominated proceedings in the second half but lacked quality at times to create clear-cut chances. With the feeling growing amongst the away supporters that this game could end in a defeat, Emans dinked a delightful ball over the top for Rueben Smith to latch on and score his 5th goal in four games. Andover continued to hunt a winning goal and when Smith was through on goal in the 86th minute, it looked that the winner would be inevitable. However, the Totton defender scathed him down earning a red card but with it, a share of the points.