Andover Town2–0○Team Solent

Andover Town got back to winning ways after an impressive defensive display against Team Solent, writes Patrick Barlow. Goals for Zach Glasspool and Adam Grange gave Town their first victory in over a month, with Lloyd Thomas giving a great goalkeeping performance to claim his first clean sheet for the club. After losing to bottom placed Verwood Town a week previous, Andover opted to name a largely unchanged side, with Connor Cocklin and Ross Gregory the only changes, being replaced by Craig Blakeman and McCaulie Stubbs respectively. However, unlike last week Town broke the deadlock very early on from an in-swinging corner from winger Adam Grange. The low ball into the penalty area curled past the Solent defenders and into the bottom corner to give Town the initial momentum in attack. It wasn’t long before Andover were knocking on the Team Solent door once more, as Rudi Plummer tried to double the Home side’s advantage. Plummer was unable to capitalise though having stolen the ball of Solent centre back Pip Nolan after some great end to end pay by both sides. The ball was blasted wide from close range after his shot from a narrow angle. Lloyd Thomas did well to stop Solent from levellimg midway through the first half, as an excellent short range double save stopped Jim Orvis and Silvano Obeng from equalizing, with the Town keeper palming the ball away from the Andover goal on both occasions.

After some great competition for dominance at the end of the half, Town were unable to score their second shortly after the break. The Andover attackers were able to create a 3 on 2 situation on the edge of the penalty area, but Plummer was stopped by the Solent defence, who caught up to clear the ball away. Solent were denied once again by the brilliance of Lloyd Thomas as he saved a crucial penalty to maintain his clean sheet. As Matt Sheedy fell in the penalty area, the Town keeper was the hero as he saved the resulting penalty, with Tyrell Mitford’s shot into the bottom left corner expertly tipped wide. New signing Harrison Faye came off the bench to have an immediate impact, as his speed and skill crafted a great chance for Andover. The signing from Winchester nearly converted in the middle of the second half, as he cannoned the ball off the inside of the post to trouble the Solent keeper. Faye also played a pivotal role as Town doubled their lead late in the match. The winger’s exquisite cross fell perfectly for striker Zach Glasspool, who collected the ball from close range to slot the ball into the bottom corner of the net, and to secure a much needed win for Andover. Andover now sit 17th in the League having taken 21 points from 19 games, and Glenn Burnett’s side will look to continue their winning ways. They are due to face Bournemouth Poppies in a week, before travelling to Bemerton Heath Harlequins.