Andover Town1–5○New Milton Town

Andover Town were facing fellow relegation candidates New Milton Town, who sat one place above Andover.

The sky was darkening at the Portway Stadium as the away side kicked off. It was a fast start from New Milton, swiftly counter-attacking and opening the scoring inside the 4th minute. Andover responded well despite the early setback, and a period on sustained pressure paid off as a well worked move was poked into the back of the net from number Ousman Touray, equalising for the home side in the 20th minute. A set piece and not winning the second ball killed Andover and New Milton took full advantage in the 39th minute, ensuring they brought a 2-1 lead into the break. A killer blow for Andover, as they had arguably been the better side.

In the 56th minute, a miscommunication between the Andover defence meant the away side had an open goal to make it 3-1. Town battled on but the match had petered out, and New Milton made it 4-1 with 15 minutes to go. Andover kept pushing and earnt themselves a penalty late on, which was ultimately saved by the New Milton keeper. And to put the icing on the cake, a stunning strike from 25 yards made it 5-1 to the opposition – with not long left to play.

Andover fought hard until the end and looked good on the eye, but once again just lacked the finishing touch. New Milton had come with a gameplan and were clinical on the night. It finished Andover Town 1-5 New Milton Town.