Andover Town3–5○Downton

This became a match of contrasts to say the least. Andover Town lying in 19th place in the league playing Downton who were occupying 2nd place. After a run of defeats Town faithful were expecting the worse. However, as in previous matches there were highs & lows for Town. With a new goalkeeper, Aaron Bufton, signing from Hythe & Dibden but two key players leaving the club namely Zach Hine & Ryan Fry an interesting match in prospect. With ideal weather conditions for football and a crowd of 87 the match kicked off.

Downton started brightly kicking towards the car park end, number 7, Krysztofowicz his cross looked goalward bound which was over Town’s new keeper but full back Quashie was on the line to head clear. However, Town were now showing great signs of improvement playing some decent football and showing the opposition that they meant business, some good work by young winger Beatson his cross found Malachi Johnson who put Town one up much to the delight of the Town fans. A few minutes later the lively Krysztofowicz for Downton had a shot that went just wide. Young Beatson was again in action causing problems for the opposition defence found Samunda his effort from outside the box was just wide. Town were much the better side and after 15 minutes they had their first corner but it came to nothing. With around 20 minutes gone Downton broke down the middle and had the ball in the net but it was ruled offside much to the frustration of the Downton bench showing their feelings to the line official. Some neat play by Samunda found Johnson but his goal bound effort was cleared for a corner. The corner was cleared but it landed to Connor and his volley outside the box was just wide. Downton were looking dangerous on the break and a shot by Howe hit the post and landed gratefully by keeper Bufton. Downton again came close but wide of the target. On 27 minutes the lively Beatson took the ball to the touchline and as he jinked into the penalty area he was up ended – penalty !! Centre forward Reggie Hodan duly converted the spot kick to give Town a two-goal lead. Downton continued to search for some reward but their shots were well wide but also the Town defence were playing really well. Winger Kifoun found the talented Samunda and his fierce strike was heading for the top corner but keeper Betts pulled off a spectacular save for a corner, the corner however landed to Johnson but his shot went wide. Just over half hour gone, Downton still couldn’t find a way through the Town defence marshalled by captain Trapnell and full back Quashie. Good play by Hodan found Johnson but again his shot just wide. A break out of defence for Town found Hodan as he raced for goal with Downton defender Osman and just the keeper to beat, Osman saved the day for the visitors and diverted the danger. Hodan again had a chance but well saved by Betts. Winger Davies for Downton had a good chance down the right but his attempt was well wide. The half was drawing to a close mostly end to end stuff when on the stroke of half time to round off a good Town performance, Jacob Beatson scores, his first for the senior side after coming up through the youth set up. The Town supporters were buzzing at the score and left wondering if Town could go on to win or ‘would there be a dramatic turn around ?’

Half-time Andover Town 3-0 Downton

When the second half began, the questions were soon answered. The second half had only just started when Downton pulled one back through Howe who took advantage of defensive mistake. The visitors were now in the ascendency and were now pushing men forward. Although Town were still in the match and were trying to find an opening. However, Andover’s defensive frailties began to show when a good break down the right found striker Smith who found the net in a crowded goal mouth. Andover were still desperately looking for a way through but to no avail, with captain Osman controlling the visitor’s defence. Downton were looking dangerous on the break. Some good inter play by Andover found Hodan as he powered towards goal his shot was just wide. Then a dramatic change in the match, with around half hour left, when Town’s full back Hughes fouled the Downton player outside the box, the referee produced the second yellow card and Hughes headed for the dressing room. So, Town were really up against it losing a defender at a critical time. Downton were now pressing for an equaliser and a good strike by Krysztofowicz was well saved by Bufton. Few minutes later Town had an excellent chance to increase their lead when Hodan had the ball but his shot was straight at keeper Betts. However, with just over 15 minutes left, Downton’s Smith scored their equaliser – some thought there was a suspicion of offside – so, Andover were really up against it. Town were still trying to find a way through and a through ball on the left was chased by Hodan with the keeper chasing alongside, Hodan went to ground, a strong appeal for a penalty but the referee booked Hodan for diving. However, just seven minutes left and Andover were 3-4 down when winger Davies scored through a crowded goal mouth. The final blow came with just minutes left Krysztofowicz sealed Andover’s fate.

Although Andover lost if they could replicate the first half performance and second half efforts from previous matches things might get brighter. Although the first half the defence played well but under pressure in the second exposed some frailties. But the match overall from Andover’s point was encouraging. The team now travel away to Downton in the Wessex League Cup on Tuesday 3rd October.