Andover Town 2–1 Denmead

For the first time Denmead were the visitors to Portway and despite their relatively low league position they have been consistently close to winning many of their recent matches. A sunny, warm autumn afternoon and the pitch looked in absolutely perfect condition.

Town started very brightly and almost immediately fashioned a chance when in the 5th minute a cross from the left was headed home by full back Alfie Budd to make the score 1-0. Denmead pushed hard after going down to such an early goal and it was no real surprise when their pressure paid off in the 21st minute when their striker Porter turned the ball in to make the score 1-1. There then followed a period of midfield stalemate with neither side looking really convincing in their search for a second goal. The first half ended with the score at 1-1 and with Denmead looking the better side and with Town not showing the kind of form which had given them 5 successive victories.

The second half saw Denmead growing in confidence and definitely establishing control. Andover’s early goal seemed a distant memory and as the half wore on Denmead looked like the only team which was going to get the victory. Town urgently needed to up their game if they were to avoid a rare recent defeat. At the 65th minute the game became very scrappy and Andover somehow could not find a decent pass and resorted to strong defence to keep Denmead out. By the 79th minute more agitation from manager Ron Bertie resulted him being sent off after yet another tirade against the referee. As they headed into the final quarter Town were going to be mightily relieved to even draw. And then in the very final minute of time added on they were awarded a penalty when striker Luke Holden was bundled over in the box in the 93th minute. Up stepped Ryan Morgans who had had a quiet game by his recent standards and he duly converted the spot kick. The referee immediately blew for time and somewhat surprisingly Town finished with victory at 2-1.

So Andover made it six straight victories in the league but today they were surprisingly off the pace for no apparent reason and Denmead understandably looked distraught to lose out in the final few seconds. The next match is away at Moneyfields Reserves on Saturday October 12th kick-off 3.00pm.