Purps Navigate Tricky Course To Summit - AFC Stoneham vs. Andover Town

Foul in front of the stand and committee room at The HP Arena

AFC Stoneham is another ground where this season I've been thwarted by engineering works and striking guards but this weekend provided a reasonably clear window to travel to Eastleigh and finally visit AFC Stoneham. As a geography graduate, I'd always have an interest in AFC Stoneham with their previous close links to Ordnance Survey. Today they were at home to Andover who I saw last season when they top of The Premier Division of The Wessex League. Due to events in the summer, they were now in Division One and found themselves up against the team sat in second and who also hadn't lost in the league all season. In the opening weekend of the season, AFC Stoneham won the reverse fixture 10-1 so the visitors were hoping for a much closer game.

Kick off at The HP Arena

After a change of kits - it seemingly only became apparent that dark blue and purple would be a colour clash once the teams were out on the pitch - Stoneham forced a bit of a scramble that required several close range blocks to prevent the opening goal. The first goal comes from a corner which the forward is able to stroke in from close range. Stoneham continue to press but the Andover defenders are constantly able to put their bodies on the line to prevent a second goal. Even when the defenders aren't able to block the ball, the keeper is able to pull to off a great save when the forward gets in on goal. Andover have a spell of pressure at the end of the half and the attacker should do better when in on goal than putting the ball high and wide. They get the equaliser their pressure deserves as the forward gets the ball on the edge of the box before placing a brilliant shot past the diving Stoneham keeper.

One nil Stoneham

Stoneham come close when they try to recycle a ball back into the box but the Andover defence are able to clear the danger. Andover have a great chance to take the lead but the free header somehow goes wide of the target. Stoneham are having a lot of the ball in and around the box and over and over again, the Andover defence stand tall. The visitors come close again in a see saw second half as a ball flashes across goal without anyone getting the vital touch. The Andover keeper then makes a great save to tip the ball over the bar from a shot from outside the area. He is powerless however in the closing stages as Stoneham score from a free kick to seal the points and move to the top of the table.

The Andover keeper punches the ball clear

The train from Waterloo to Eastleigh takes just under an hour and a half and once you get there, there is only place to head to. The Steam Town Brew Co, opened last year and has a selection of it's own beers as well as a broad general selection of other beers and is an early contender for pub of the year. From just across the road you can take the number 2 bus to right outside the ground. If you're still thirsty then The Cricketers has a couple of ales and will be the last drink of the afternoon as there is currently no bar at the ground. The welcome at the ground couldn't be faulted and the programme is a great effort. Glad to finally have ticked off The HP Arena!

Match action in front of the brutalist fencing