○Fawley AFC2–1Andover Town

Andover Town travelled to meet Fawley who over the years have proved to be doughty opponents. Interestingly Fawley F.C. started off in the 1930’s as Esso F.C, their ground is right under the illuminated chimneys and flare stacks of the oil refinery and their nickname is The Oilers. Andover were missing 5 first team players for tonight’s match with a combination of injuries and availability. In particular their 2 leading goal scorers in Ryan Griffiths and David Gerrard were out.

The first 15 minutes or so did in fact demonstrate that tonight would not be an easy affair. On 19 minutes a high bouncing cross into the penalty area created difficulty for Steinborn-Busse and Fawley’s Dylan Knight was able to steer the ball home. So 1-0 to Fawley and in truth Andover were not playing with their normal composure and with their normal attacking flair. But as the half progressed Town settled and in the 35th minute the Fawley keeper pulled off an amazing save and managed to tip a great effort from Lewis Williams over the bar. Half time score 1-0 to Fawley.

The second half started with Fawley on top again and it was no surprise when in the 50th minute a defensive error resulted in their second goal. Andover were looking very leggy as the game progressed and the sizeable number of Town supporters knew that there had to be a big improvement if the deficit was to be pulled back. As the half progressed Town did improve a certain amount and their efforts were rewarded when Jamie Ritchie headed in to make the score 2-1. Would they be able to make a draw out of this game at this stage? Sadly not and although the away team pressure did create some chances in the last quarter but to no avail. The situation improved when Fawley’s number 11 James Clifton was sent off after two yellow cards. But the numbers were evened out in the 86th minute when J J Tucker was red carded after for an off the ball incident.

So the game ended 2-1 to Fawley and with that Andover’s unbeaten start in the league came to an end. In truth apart from the last 15 minutes they were second best, mitigated no doubt by the number of first teamers who were missing. The next two games are going to be very tough against both Downton and New Milton who are first and second respectively in the league. The next match is on Saturday the 8th away at New Milton kick-off at 3pm.