Andover Town1–1○East Cowes Victoria

Following the historic win Andover Town achieved during the week, against their local rivals Whitchurch United, there were high expectations of today’s game. This promise continued as the fans saw the same starting line-up as mid-week. Andover could have won todays match by the same margin as they dominated most of the play and had a number of chances to gain all three points. The tight defence prevented their mid table opponents having many goal scoring opportunities and moreover Andover won the midfield battles where Nickoy Pinnock provided a solid performance.Even though the first half did not provide the crowd with any goals the home fans were not disappointed with their teams tidy possessional play and controlled attacking moves.

Ben Emans once again was able to cause the opponents a challenge down the left wing. Within the first few minutes he had already started to test out the East Cowes defence as he made two telling crosses into the penalty area, neither of which found a blue shirt, but both were made with intent. Shortly afterwards, Pinnock, in his role as supplier to the forwards, played in a pass to Josh Bertie which was about a yard just too far. Bertie was unable to reach it before Karl Steinborn-Busse made it safe. East Cowes had their first offensive on the Andover goal with a pass in that knocked David Tasker to the floor as he took it out of harms way. Midway through the half Andover seemed to change gear and start to apply even more pressure. There was a period of corners and free kicks all of which offered promise but none of which paid off. With thirty minutes gone Brendon Holmes launched one of his signature shots from a William Green pass. It was a breath taking moment but this time it was just wide. This was quickly followed by two chances for Emans, the first hit the post as he tried to convert a Shaquille Gwengwe free kick and the second skimmed the crossbar following a solo run from midfield. Andover were soon on the attack again as Dean Smith started a move, which inevitably involved Gwengwe, then Pinnock mis-kicked and the ball ended up at the stomach of Green, which had clearly caught him off guard. Just before the break both sides had shots on target. However neither Gwengwe or Jordan Chapman were able to cause the respective keepers much trouble.

Half-time: Andover Town 0-0 East Cowes Victoria

The second half started quietly in contrast to the end of the first. It wasn’t until the fifty seventh minute that either team was able to challenge the others defence. Emans was in possession and was deemed to have been fouled. The Referee indicated to play the advantage and from the stand it was difficult to see how this opportunity did not result in a goal, but the advantage was lost in the penalty area. Andover once again turned up the heat and looked like the probably winners. Gwengwe continued to delight the home fans as he had on Tuesday evening. On a number of occasions his speed and control warranted a goal as reward. However his first shot into the back of the net was called offside just as his head made contact with the ball. A Joe Butcher shot had Tasker making his best save of the match as it required lightening reactions to prevent the away-side going into the lead against the run of play. Then in the seventy fourth minute Pinnock was brought down in the penalty area and a spot kick was awarded. Shaquille Gwengwe’s (pictured) penalty taking has been exemplary and he didn't disappoint this time either. At this time it appeared that the result would reflect the play. Andover kept the pressure on and Gary Thorne was the next to have a chance of scoring glory. A well placed Bertie free kick found the defender’s head only yards from the goal face. Unfortunately Thorne wasn’t able to control the header and the ball went over the bar. However within minutes he was back at his defending post clearing a dangerous cross for a corner. The ball went straight up to the other end where Holmes set up Nathan Lunness who launched a powerful strike, which was on target, but hit a defender to give the home side a corner. With only a couple minutes of play left East Cowes were awarded a free kick close to the halfway line. The ball was curled into the area with a high level of skill and although there was a little hesitation with the first touches Henry West eventually smashed the ball past Tasker for the equaliser. In added time Gwengwe was brought down just outside the penalty area. Although this was a good place for a Bertie goal it wasn’t to be and the game ended with the teams sharing the points.

Drawing with a team who started the game 8th in the league is a good result for Andover. This should not be forgotten. The last few games have shown that this team have the ability and now the experience to finish much higher up the table next year.