Andover Town 1–2 Stockbridge

A glass of sherry too many ........

Friday afternoon saw your roving reporter act as taxi back for The Editor from her works Xmas lunch/dinner. After meeting one of her work colleagues and several boring drinks for me we returned to the home of the Joneses with my dinner firmly placed in the oven, the editor declared it had been a long day and was calling it a night.

Knife and fork drawn, dinner was consumed, Chief of Bed Security Shadow (aka Jobless), after seeing to business outside jumped on my lap maybe a sign of affection? No she stood there turned her head and wondered about my life choices with four paws colder than a polar bear firmly planted on my thighs. 5 minutes later after giving my thighs 3rd degree frost burns she headed off to my side of the bed. 2 hours later I called the night over and done with just as I rested my head the Editor came round to ask if we still had a kitchen? Sometimes your just lowest man on the totem.

Derby Day-The Old Test Deby

Saturday morning came round in getting up with the larks to do the shopping done quick sharp to avoid Xmas onslaught, with that achieved by 9.00 breakfast made a quick sit down, a look at the pile of presents still to wrap, then clear the leaves out front in the car park which nearly saw me take a couple days off work Wednesday morning. It was time for lunch consumed, a quick weather check saw it was definitely big coat weather although sunny that was going to get cold. A stroll to the end of the road for my lift then a sprint back up to retrieve my glasses saw me come back to a waiting Blue Army Alan a few feet from my house. The talk on the way to Fortress Portway as to which Andover would turn up today. Hopefully a better first half.

Greeted by Gary the Gateman and the news that Kameron Wise was in goal for Stockbridge, well pleased to see he is getting game time, although for Stockbridge against us, still good to see him. I for once can roll out my “never forget that game “ card. Fareham vs Town cup game midweek absolute hammering down Kameron in goal for Town Fareham league above going well. 1-1 full time, extra time Kameron goes full Gandalf “Thou shalt not pass” how many he saved lord only knows, goes to penalties easy saves 3. We’re through what a night. Still we are where we are. A swing round to Pas the Barman just in case he needed a bit of company (is that right? Ed.) refreshment acquired, quick chat to the man in the middle for team sheets. A rapid stroll to the Bank End to take places for the coming battle (surely game? Ed.).

Finally the match report.

Within 5 minutes we saw which Andover and which Stockbridge had turned up as the game turned into a midfield congestion charge with no side gaining ground or a clear chance not until 25 minutes when Henrik manage to get a shot from a sharp angle a miss kick or a heavy pitch slowed the ball down for an easy gather for Kameron. The next chance a corner from Henrik again saw the ball gathered by Kameron in the air towering over Luke Holden. Forcing Kameron to go long the ball dropped into the midfield with a little hesitation between the Town midfield Stockbridge swiped the ball up Dan Grinham made a tackle which made the ref see red and Town were down to 10. With 15 minutes till half time it was looking grim or so we thought. Town held it together and didn’t look any worse, Stockbridge were unable to make the extra man count until 10 minutes later when a Stockbridge player clean through was brought down by Sam Churchill. Town were down to 9 that was that…… wait I speak too soon no not a card given, ok got to take the breaks when you can. From the resulting free kick another disappointing cross for Stockbridge. Just about the first half the whistle went nil-nil it stayed.

A swing round to the Main Stand at half time saw me speaking to fantastic Barman from Stockbridge (how come you know the barman at all grounds? Ed.) wish Happy Xmas to Bill and Graham Cousins, Owen’s Mum informed me there would be mince pies awaiting for the Blue Army and what drinks would we like as Owen was paying cheers Owen , with Bob bringing a tub of chocolates my t shirts might have to up a size. Stopped by club photographer James Charlwood to report someone had set a flare off just after kick off (nice picture). Refreshments ordered, placed and a swift onward walk to The Alan Mussell Shed End to be met by Gary the Gateman. Places taken, refresments arrived, kick off ensued nothing happened for 15 mins then Town worked the ball down the side of the 18 yard box a foul conceded from the walloping free kick Kameron dived and missed completely and any one of three Town players could Have bundled it over 1-nil Town. 30 minutes to go and a man down, 25 minutes to go and a glorious chance for 2-nil goes sailing over the bar left or right 2 nil and home dry but not to be, Town played well seemingly the man disadvantage not really affecting them but with 20 minutes to go Stockbridge hit the cross bar with a rare attack 5 minutes later a good cross and a mistake in Town defence found an unmarked Stockbridge player at the far post and a familiar story. 1-1 all square. Still Town didn’t look to shabby, didn’t panic too much and started probing once again the left wing looking good with Henrik’s silky ball control but to no avail. With the game deep into injury time and 1-1 looking an honorable draw the cruelest of blows struck Town, a shot well covered by the keeper took a wicked deflection into the net 2-1 Stockbridge. Town dropped to their knees in disappointment. Kick off ensued enough time for one Town attack and the ref blew for full time.

The lads gave their all and commiserations passed around, overall the lads could hold their heads up high a valiant display. A big nod to the back line who took some tough tackles.

If you got this far thanks for reading. As always thanks to The Editor (my wife). Have a good Christmas and see you all again at Fortress Portway in the new year. Roving Reporter Martyn Jones (about time for an away day).