○Horndean4–3Andover Town

Andover Town travelled down to play Horndean for their Buil­dbase F.A. Vase 1st qualifying round with the hope of putting the last two cup exit disappointments behind them. This was Andover’s 200th competitive match since their formation in 2013. However, despite a hat-trick from Zach Glasspool and a disputed last minute extra time disputed penalty it wasn’t to be Andover’s day.

As the match kicked-off, Andover came out the blocks to show their intentions and before some spectators had settled, Glasspool found the net after only 34 seconds of the start. A long ball from Chamberlain to Zach Glasspool, the striker, despite the challenge of two defenders put the ball past Price in the home goal to put Andover one up. The home side were stunned but responded well but to no avail. Then with less than ten minutes gone a good chance fell to Gosney but his effort fell short of the target. The match settled and it flowed from end to end but neither side could create any worthwhile chances. Horndean’s Jackson’s long-range shot was well saved by Thomas for a corner. Then Everett had a good run at Andover’s defence but there was a lack of support for the final touch. With just under half an hour gone, Lock collected the ball and sent Gosney on a run and his fine cross found Zach Glasspool who scored from close range to put Andover two nil up. Andover then had a chance to go further ahead when a loose ball found Lock but his shot was well saved by Price. Play went end to end but both sides unable to create any further real chances as the half drew to a close.

Half time Horndean 0-2 Andover Town

Horndean upped their game after the resumption and were rewarded in the 51st minute when Everett seized the opportunity to put the ball wide of Thomas to put the hosts back in the game. As Horndean pressed for the equaliser, Thomas was called to make a save from Jackson. A few minutes later a Glasspool shot was cleared off the line by Tigwell with Price beaten. With twenty minutes left Horndean were awarded a free kick and Jack Maloney’s strike went through a crowded area into the visitor’s goal for the equaliser. Andover were under pressure but some good defending kept the home side at bay. Deep into time added on, Dockree’s effort looked goal bound but was cleared off the line by Humble. So, with the ninety minutes up, the match now went into extra time. The first half of the extra time was fairly even with maybe Andover just having the edge. One good chance for Andover fell to Reece Rusher but his shot was just wide. Into the second half of extra time, with ten minutes remaining, the ever busy Gosney, had a run down the left side and his well-placed cross found Zach Glasspool who gleefully headed home to give the visitors the lead and to complete his hat-trick. However, Andover’s joy wasn’t to last, with four minutes left, Jackson found the opportunity to equalise for Horndean. With the score level at three all and with penalties looming Joe Wright was adjudged to have brought Jackson down in the penalty box, but the general feeling was that he had got to the ball first. As referee Birch was some distance away from the incident and he failed to consult his assistant who was just ten metres away, there was obvious disappointment in the Andover camp. So, Tigwell put the penalty beyond Thomas and the referee then blew for time, leaving Andover to reflect on what might have been. Once again, they have to pick themselves up and now travel to Petersfield Town on Tuesday 12th September for another cup tie in the ‘Sydenhams Wessex League Cup’ second round.

Full time Horndean 4-3 Andover Town (2-2 after 90 minutes)