Andover Town4–1○Lymington Town

As we all know, you can't forsee what will happen in the coming season regarding pre-season friendly matches. Management trial players, formations etc etc. However, this match was eventful, Lymington were also relegated last season but theirs was from the Wessex Premier League to Division One.

The quite reasonable attendance was taken aback when Andover went 1-0 up with just 3 minutes on the clock from No.8 !! Lymington were looking lively up front and then a few minutes after the goal the Andover keeper was in action with a good save from a fierce shot which he tipped over the bar for a corner. The visitors continued to look dangerous but the home defence held firm. Just under 15 minutes gone and Andover were 2-0 up from No9, another well taken goal. A few minutes later Andover then found themselves 3-0 up with another well worked goal from No.10. However, Lymington, dispite the score were still looking quite lively up front and with just under 15 minutes they were rewarded with a well struck shot by their No7 that beat the keeper to the top corner. The second half saw substitutes come & go the match continued in much the same as the first half. Lymington still looked a threat but Andover defence still held firm but to be fair, Lymington's goal efforts were wild and off course. The home keeper was not under a lot of pressure. One of the highlights of the match cam right out of the blue .... over an hour gone a midfield tussle in the middle of the pitch involving a few players the ball fell to the Andover Skipper Owen Trapnell (now wether he meant it or not only he will know !!) he unleashed shot towards goal and the Lymington keeper was way out of his goal, Owen's shot sailed over the stranded keeper into the goal amid wild celebrations !! Andover nearly got another when a cross into the box found the head of a Lymington defender which was going goalwards but the visiting keeper was forced to make a fine save. Now unfortunately the game ended on a sad note for Andover when Skipper Owen Trapnell fell coming out of a tackle and he laid there screaming out in pain - it turned out he had an achillies injury. We hope he has a speedy recovery !!

Andover management must much to mull over before the season starts next Saturday 3rd August when they meet Paulsgrove at the Portway Stadium.