Alresford Town 3–0 Andover Town

Andover Town suffered their first league defeat of the season but they remain league leaders with an eight point advantage over their nearest rivals. It was inevitable that the team’s unbeaten run would come to an end at some stage but the manner of this defeat was disappointing. Andover had their moments during the match but overall they were second best in all areas through out the game. However the season is far from over and the team has the ability and character to respond in a positive way starting at Petersfield on Saturday. Andover made one change to the team that started the previous match with Immanuel Soetan replacing George Hallahan who dropped to the bench.

Alresford went ahead after just four minutes when Arron Blaxall scored from close range taking advantage of some poor defending. There was a suggestion that the ball did not fully cross the line but the referees assistant indicated otherwise. What was arguably Andover's best opportunity of the entire game soon followed. Good movement by Reece Rusher and Soetan allowed Zach Glasspool to find space in a crowed area but his effort drifted wide of the post. With twenty minutes gone Arlesford doubled the score-line leaving Andover a proverbial mountain to climb. Geoff Dunn raced clear and effortlessly to fire home beyond the reach of Lloyd Thomas. For the remaining minutes of the half Alresford remained the better side presenting few opportunities for Andover to get back into the game.

Half time Alesford Town 2-0 Andover Town

To be fair Andover’s game improved once the second half got underway but the travelling faithful were not convinced that they would be able to turn the game round. Any chance that might have happened finally disappeared just before the hour mark,when Alresford scored the third goal.A long free kick hit into the area was not well defended and Ben White provided the finishing touch. It could well have got worse for Andover when Dunn attempted a replica of his earlier goal but this time he pulled the effort wide. For Andover the only chance of a consolation was Michael Hubbard’s header late in the game but the goalkeeper saved well.