Andover Town 1–3 Andover New Street

It’s been a while ........... !!

Christmas day saw the Jones household soirée to Swindon for a xmas lunch with my parents. The Boss graciously offered my services to cook the Feast of Stephen. Although word must have travelled as my dad was sent by Mum to the kitchen to keep a close eye on proceedings muttering words about the pension won’t cover a new kitchen. I was Hurt. All was good and a good xmas had by all. Shadow (aka Jobless) has decided the new year rain, ice and snow is not for her and is closely guarding the bed. Sometimes I’m even allowed to sleep in the bed.

Good to be back. Having missed our first game back after the xmas period against Folland A on Saturday it was much of a surprise the game against New Street was deemed fit to play. A quick drive down the road to pick up Blue Army Alan I would say a catch up but we have not been resting having paid visits to Laverstock (if you have seen the goal?) and Amesbury. Arriving at Fortress Portway seemed a bit surreal on the 27th January asking old friends about Xmas and wishing a good new year. After Beryll Carr had relieved me of 50/50 money (did I win?), It was off to do team board duties (Thanks to the New Street Lady doing their squad) and then a roll around to Pas Barman of Distinction, nope still not allowed to pour my Guinness. With refreshments secured it was off to the Bank End. A quick discussion about the teams really a bit of a shock Dean “DEANO” Smith back out of retirement good to see all be it on the subs bench for town, also Zac Hine just back from injury also on the subs bench for New Street (boo), he always looked better in blue to me (OK enough the game now please, Ed.).

So with no time to spare and the rain coming down the was toss taken and ends changed, despite the recent weather the pitch was looking good. Kick off ensued with our friends across town being 2 divisions above The Mighty Blues thoughts may have turned to score lines we wish not think about. So surprisingly after some fine work in midfield from both sides it was Town that broke down the right with Henrick whipping a cross shot just begging for a touch but was not to be. Town and New Street looked very evenly matched when after 10 mins Roocroft for New Street rounded our keeper to slot the ball goalwards just for a moment thoughts of a sliding Sam Scannellie saving the came to nothing and it was 1 nil to New Street. Town kicked off, play resumed, the rain came down, although a goal down it didn’t seem to phase Town playing some good football although the final killer pass was often cut out. Malaki often seaming to bamboozle the New Street midfield with his ability so stay on his feet in such atrocious conditions was both a joy and puzzle to watch. Enter minute 17 when New Street made best of a many defensive scramble at both ends as Claudio Herbert shot from the edge of the box to score a beauty which I reluctantly clapped. It was now 2 nil to Street and looking ominous for Town. Town Kicked off again with neither side being able to make headway both midfields working hard a high ball over the Town defence found Street’s Jake Rawkins rushing through to round Lewis Rothnie in the Town goal for three nil. But no, flagged offside much to the blue army’s relief. The Town defence was doing some fine work snuffing out the Street threat, in the middle of the park was a midfield battle going on with Street’s Jake Rawkins showing some fine touches. With halftime approaching a Street attack saw Sam Scannellie make a clearance 7 yards out to the right of goal with a lunge/slide, his kit more mud by now as the whistle blew for halftime.

Half time saw us joined by Albert and Old Man Bill to bolster the ranks although 2 nil down we were not disappointed to the point well we’re still in the game. Alan said he would’ve taken 3 nil at halftime so we felt alright. Second half and back to the action Street pressed hard for a good 20 mins and Town felt it, we looked tired so it was a shock when Town broke and Jayden with the Street keeper well beaten smacked the upright with a vicious shot. Almost straight away Street broke and Shane Lock scored their 3rd of the night. It seemed to be the nail in the coffin for Town, To be fair I’ve seen heads drop in this position although disappointed the boys still seemed be good for it, changes made things could have got a bit lively as both DEANO and Zach were now on the pitch. Maybe Street eased off, we don’t know, think it was Jake Parton on as sub who was beginning to school Streets left back, found a cross to Charlie Pyke to smash home for a Town goal. Something for Town to celebrate 3-1 to Street. Kick off and 10 mins that was about it, oh the rain stopped.

Not a bad game for Town could or as we all felt looking at league standings should have been a lot worse. Still there we go.

As always thanks for reading.

Thanks Ed. for editing.

Miss this Saturday’s so give them a cheer for me.

Martyn.