Locks Heath 1–2 Andover Town

Town travelled down the M27 this afternoon to Fareham to meet league leaders Locks Heath. Having beaten them twice already this season, once in the league and once in the cup, Locks Heath would be formidable opponents looking to put the record straight after their two earlier defeats.

Both teams started cagily testing each other out but the home side came within a whisker of opening the scoring when in the 10th minute their striker was through on goal one on one against keeper Redshaw and somehow he fired over from close range, a real let off for Andover. And again in the 13th minute another great chance for the home side with a clever pull back across the face of the goal which simply needed a touch and it seemed easier to score than miss. The league leaders were definitely on top for the first quarter and Andover were relieved not to have conceded. Somehow Town began to string some passes together and it was a welcome surprise in the 23rd minute when full back Callum Reid burst into the area and hit the net with a well struck shot, somewhat it has to be said against the run of play. As the half moved on Town continued to be second best and it was no surprise when Locks Heath scored in the 31st minute when number 7 Davis broke the offside trap and rounded the keeper to make the score 1-1. The score was still level at half time and the home side were on top for quite a lot of the half.

The second half kicked off with Andover looking to gain more control and after two minutes they did just that when in the 47th minute a corner from the right found defender Rowan Irvine with space in the area and he gleefully bundled the ball into the net to make the score 2-1. And after that the second half was a real battle with Locks Heath trying to score and Andover defending heroically. In truth despite a succession of corners Town managed the half out well and Locks Heath did not have many clear cut chances. Final score 2-1 and a well earned victory which depending on other results could propel Town to top place in the league.

So an excellent outcome for Andover having now beaten the long time league leaders on three separate occasions with the same 2-1 scoreline each time. Taking 25 out of the last available 27 points has been pretty impressive. The next match is on Saturday November 16th away at near neighbours Stockbridge kick -off 2 pm