Andover Town2–0○Horndean

It is nearly four years since Andover Town took maximum points from Horndean.The East Hampshire side are notoriously difficult to overcome both home and away so Andover were well pleased with their effort in this game. Town made one change to the team that started the previous match with Reece Rusher coming in for the unavailable Jason Silver.

Andover started well and took the lead in the seventh minute. Mike Gosney’s cross caused confusion amongst the visiting defenders allowing George Hallahan to score from close range. The match then settled into a midfield battle with few outright chances being created. During this period Hallahan came nearest to scoring with a twenty five yard effort that former Andover goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas did well to turn away for a corner. Horndean were always quick on the break but the Town defence were uncompromising and Luke Cairney was rarely troubled. Two minutes before the interval Andover doubled their advantage as Mike Gosney once again set up George Hallahan to provide the close range finish.

Half time - Andover Town 2-0 Horndean

As the second half got under way their was more intensity in Horndean’s approach and early on Miles Everett should have done better firing wide after his sides best attack of the match so far.Just past the hour mark Everett had an even better chance but again the opportunity was wasted. As in the first period much of the game was being contested in the middle third with few clear cut chances at either end. It was still entertaining as Horndean urged on by a very vocal manager worked hard to get back into the game. However Andover continued to play resourcefully and sensibly giving little away to their opponents. With a minute of normal time remaining Everett had his third opportunity to score but this time Luke Cairney saved well at the expense of a corner that came to nothing. In February Andover have to visit the teams currently second and fourth behind them in the league plus a return with Horndean confirming that there is still a long way to go.