Andover Town 0–0 (2–3 pens) Broughton

Broughton were the visitors to Portway today in the first round of the Hampshire Premier League Cup and although they are one division lower than Town this will be a tough ask as they have won all their matches to date this season and top their division. Kick off was on a dull but very calm afternoon and the playing surface looked excellent. Broughton brought a large and vociferous away support.

The away side started brightly and were on top in the first quarter and it was easy to see why they are topping their division. Town slowly grew into the game and it became a very even midfield battle as the half progressed. In the 20th minute Luke Holden broke through and powered in a shot which grazed the crossbar something which was going to happen a lot for the home side as the game progressed. But in the 26th minute a slip in the area by Josh Holebrook let in Broughton striker Allen who almost scored. The half carried on at a relentless pace with end to end play from both sides and it was indeed a very even contest which ended at 0-0 on 45 minutes.

The second half began much as the first half ended with both sides trying to dominate. But as the half progressed Andover got more and more into the game and were definitely on top going into the final quarter. And in the 78th minute a lovely move from Town almost broke the deadlock when Malachi Johnson broke through on the right and fired in a great cross which was narrowly headed over by substitute Desai. As the match drew to a close neither side were able to find the winner and the match finished at 0-0 which was a fair reflection of a good close game which either side could have won.

No extra time in this first round tie so it went to penalties. Sadly Andover’s first two efforts hit the crossbar, so close yet so far, and Broughton ran out winners by 3-2.

The next match is away to Liss Athletic on Saturday September 14th kick off 3pm.