Newport (IoW) 3–0 Andover Town

Andover Town headed into this away fixture reflecting on the bitter disappointment of dropped points in the reverse tie back in August. Missing several key players, debuts were handed to Ahmed Isse and Pride Kayima, both academy players based at Sparsholt. On a very poor pitch in which both teams were challenged Andover gained the upper hand in the early exchanges. Sadly for Pride, his game came to an abrupt end picking up an injury leading to a change in personnel after only 26 minutes. Andover having gained the possession count and play in the final third found themselves a goal down against the run of play having failed to clear what look liked an innocuous attack. Despite getting his head to the ball, Trapnell could only clear it a short distance to Liam Triggs who rifled home from short range. As the half wore on, Andover began to chase the game and grab a foot hold in the match but were unable to create anything of note as a result of resolute defending by the home side. Nevertheless, both sides went in at half time disappointed with their play up until that point.

Newport IoW 1 – 0 Andover Town

The second half saw Andover come out with increased vigour and determination to address the score. However, after 67 minutes Andover conceded a free kick against the run of play from distance. An innocuous looking ball in to the box was fumbled by McCarthy allowing Jake Wright to knock in the loose ball and double Newport’s lead. Perhaps Andover dominating possession up unitl that point led to a lack of concentration and what should have been an easy catch resulted in a goal. Andover continued to try and find a way back in to the game with goal scoring opportunities aplenty but poor finishing and determined defending prevented Andover getting back into the game. With 90 seconds to play Andover once again became the victims of their own down fall when in possession, a defensive lapse allowed Newport to capitalise and score their 3rd. On a positive note, Zac Hines impressed on his debut but Andover must address the costly mistakes that lead to their downfall. They get themselves back in to games but undo it with poor decisions.