Andover Town1–2○Cadbury Heath

Cadbury Heath ended Andover’s Emirates F.A. Cup hopes as they inflicted Town’s first defeat of the season. The Bristol based Western League side have a good record in recent cup competitions against Wessex League opponents and it was not difficult to see why. They defended well always broke quickly and had enough pace at the front to give the Andover a busy afternoon. The Andover Town starting line up was unchanged following the midweek victory against Amesbury and they started well in front of of the 300 plus crowd.

The crowded area was an indication of what lay ahead as Andover created a couple of half chances before they gained a corner with ten minutes gone. Liam Hibberd’s kick was directed toward the far post where Conner Cocklin’s header went back across the goal into the net. It could be argued that the most pivotal moment of the game for Andover came when they were awarded a free kick around twenty yards out and Mike Gosney’s shot struck a post. It was therefore some what ironical that soon after a controversial free kick lead to the visitors equaliser. This one was swung into the Andover Area and Sacha Tong found enough space to plant his header beyond Lloyd Thomas. As Half Time approached a good effort from Shane Lock looked on target but took a deflection to safety and the appeal for handball was overruled.

Half Time - Andover Town 1-1 Cadbury Heath

Soon after the resumption Cadbury Heath took a decisive lead when Kristman Lee scored the vital second goal after a quick attack left Andover outnumbered at the back. Twice in quick succession Thomas prevented the deficit increasing and soon after he again saved well as Lee searched for his second goal of the afternoon. For the last twenty minutes or so Andover kept Cadbury Heath inside their own area and with all ten outfield players defending there was little room left to park the team bus. Andover struggled to break them down and Alex Dockree had a couple of opportunities but was unable to find the small space he needed. The visitors did manage a couple of breakaways which came to nothing but for Andover the damage was already done.