Portland United 1–1 Andover Town

Despite dropping their first points of the season at a blustery Weyline Stadium, Andover Town will not be too disappointed with the final result. For this game Andover were without Mark Gosney, Liam Gilbert and Luke Dempsey who was suspended for this match. Latest Andover signing Michael Hubbard was handed his debut and was able to celebrate as he provided the assist for Andover’s goal.

During the first half Portland had the majority of chances with the best created by Jamie Beasley who blazed over the bar when it looked easier to score. Two of his colleagues suffered similar fates. For Andover Alex Dockree’s header rolled marginally wide and Hubbard lobbed a out of position goalkeeper but that was also just off target.

Half time Portland United 0-0 Andover Town

Early in the second half the home side wasted another good scoring opportunity thanks to a smart save by Lloyd Thomas,Whilst at the other end Jason Silver’s cross was despatched over the bar by Reece Rusher. Later this was followed by a fine five man passing move that ended as Dockree shot wide. Both sides continued to attack an defend in equal measure until the deadlock was broken. That moment arrived with fourteen minutes left. Andover lost a challenge in midfield and the subsequent pass found Sanchez Baker who scored to ease the tension amongst the home support. Somewhat surprisingly Baker was then substituted. Baker who with Beasley who was taken off earlier were Portland’s best players and their departures opened the game up for Andover. Andover were much more purposeful during the closing stages and finally achieved their reward with seven minutes left. Hubbard threaded a pass toward Zach Glasspool who held off a poor challenge to fire home. Andover looked the most likely to grab a winner but it was Carl Morris who summed up Portland’s afternoon by shooting high and wide from a good position in added time.