Bashley 1–2 Andover Town

Andover Town were not at their best in this game but they dug deep for a result that keeps them on course for a top two league finish.

During the opening exchanges Bashley were the more effective side but found the Andover back line in an uncompromising mood allowing the visitors to slowly get back into the game. A Mike Gosney cross skimmed along the top of the crossbar and a decent effort by Ben Cook was well saved by Edgar the home goalkeeper. However it was Bashley who were the more creative as Harrison White’s good strike hit a post and Steve Mowthorpe ensured a good effort by Harry McGrath came to nothing.Another effort from six yards was fired wide and arguably these missed chances cost Bashley the game. Andover’s best opportunity arrived just before the interval after McAulie Stubbs and Reece Rusher combined to set up George Hallahan but goalkeeper Mike Edgar managed the retrieve the situation.

Half time - Bashley 0-0 Andover Town

It was more of the same as the second period got underway until the deadlock was broken just before the hour mark. A long Andover clearance was chased into the area by Rusher but there appeared to be little danger but Edgar got into an awful mess leaving Reece Rusher the easy task of literally toe poking the ball over the line. Bashley continued to remind the visitors that they were still in the game with a chance but Luke Dempsey and his fellow defenders well backed up by Mowthorpe were giving little away. Ten minutes from time Andover were awarded a penalty when the referee decided that Rusher was upended inside the area. Even the Town’s travelling faithful thought it was a soft decision with very minimal contact. Joe Wright, team captain for the evening, duly placed the spot kick beyond Edgars reach. Four minutes later it was Bashley’s turn for a penalty. There was no dispute about this one but Lewis Aimson’s kick was straight into Mowthorpe’s grateful arms. More drama followed as with three minutes left Dan Munday pulled a goal back for Bashley. His team mate Connor Whitely in an effort to retrieve the ball pushed Mowthorpe and was shown a straight red card. Six minutes of added time were played but Andover sensibly ensured they kept control of the ball to prevent a albeit unlikely second Bashley equaliser.