○Hook0–2Andover Town

Because of M3 closures Town faced a difficult journey away to Hook on a fixture which was re-arranged to a 3G pitch in Odiham. Trying to avoid an old football cliche this was indeed a six pointer since both teams were neck and neck in the chase for promotion to the Wessex League.

A hot afternoon was in prospect at kick-off and the first 15 minutes saw good movement and good control from both teams. In the 20th minute Sanjay Samunda broke through in the area and fired in a great shot which was palmed away by the Hook keeper for the first corner. But Hook were increasingly pushing forward and their number 7 McNab almost opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cross shot. As the first half drew to a close both teams were looking for the opener but at half-time the score remained at 0-0 which was a fair reflection of both teams efforts so far.

Town started the second half on the front foot and a clumsy challenge in the 48th minute produced a penalty. Ryan Morgans stepped up and comfortably dispatched it to make the score 1-0. Town had more possession as the half progressed and unsurprisingly went further ahead in the 69th minute. A mix up in the six yard area resulted in an own goal from Hook’s number 4 Framp to make the score 2-0. And almost immediately a bizarre decision cost Andover a third goal. Ryan Morgans scored with a low shot which nestled into the net but the ball hit one of the wheels which the nets are moved on and bounced out. It was ridiculously clear that the ball was well over the line but the referee ignored it and waved play on. Ryan Morgans politely showed the referee where the ball had hit the wheel but was rewarded by the referee with 10 minutes in the sin bin.

In the 75th minute Ryan Morgans pulled the ball back to Sanjay Samunda who hit a fierce goal-bound shot which was somehow clawed away by the Hook keeper. Andover then managed the last 15 minutes very professionally to make the final score 2-0.

This was a well deserved victory and it was very encouraging to see how Town played. A great result which put them in good heart for the remainder of the promotion run in. With 6 matches now remaining the next one is on Saturday April 26th away at Denmead, kick-off 3.00pm.