○Millbrook1–7Andover Town

Andover Town bounced back in style from the previous weekends frustrating defeat with a resounding victory over league newcomers, Millbrook.

September had always been earmarked as the time when players would return to playing commitments and the competitiveness of the team that had been built could be judged. Alfie Moulding, Connor Cullingford and Jamie Ritchie all returned to the starting XI whilst David Jerrard made his first start of the season. Long term target, Jordan Brooks, made his debut in goal, replacing the departing Jack Hopwood. On the bench, Redmond Cockburn was available for the first time this season whilst George Higgins and Waledin Ahmed made a return from injury. In Ahmed’s case, it was a long awaited return after an horrendous leg break two seasons ago.

Andover headed into the game needing a morale boosting victory as frustrations grew over the stop start nature of the season so far. The early exchanges in the game suggested Andover wouldn’t have it all their own way. The home side comfortable in possession and looking to get their quick left winger in behind the visitors back line whenever possible. Andover though had already settled quickly themselves without creating too many chances. Brooks in the Andover goal dealt well with several corners when Millbrook looked to build pressure. It was the visitors that took the lead after 18 minutes, Jerrard found room in the box and fired a shot that the Millbrook keeper could only parry into the path of the oncoming Josh Bertie who slammed the ball into the next. 10 minutes later, Josh Bertie doubled the lead before Luke Adams scored his customary goal to ensure Andover led 3-0 at the break.

In previous games, Andover have let teams back into the game from winning positions and the challenge now was for them to impose themselves and secure the three points. They more than complied. A dominant second half display led to four further goals. Josh Bertie scoring two of them, one a sumptuous free kick whilst David Jerrard marked an encouraging display with a well taken penalty. However, the biggest cheer of the day came when Waledin Ahmed marked his return with a goal. A player with much promise who will now be looking to work his way back to full fitness. Millbrook did pull one back and they should be encouraged by the potential within their side. Andover left Test Park as 7-1 victors, their biggest league away victory since 2013 (Hayling United 8-0) and the largest under Ron Bertie’s tenure. The management team will be delighted at the result and will now want to see the side put results together on a consistent basis. Next weekend sees a trip to Baffins in the F.A. Vase whilst their league campaign resumes the following Saturday away to another new comer, Infinity.