Hosts Get Helping Hand - Andover Town vs. Alresford Town

Decent crowd at The Portway Stadium

This weekend seemed to be the worst so far for weather in the build up to a game. I left home with several options including Broadbridge Heath and Tadley Calleva (both of which were postponed) and Leverstock Green. However, the first game I knew was definitely on was Andover Town against Alresford Town in The Wessex League. It had the potential to be a decent game with Andover top of the league and Alresford a few places back in fifth. I can fully recommend a trip to Alresford's  Alrebury Park with the town and the ground being worth visiting. That was for a FA Cup tie with Cadbury Heath that they would sadly lose. I had seen Andover Town at the home of the other Andover side, New Street a couple of seasons ago and their ground was also a serious march away from the town centre.

Pre match formalities

The first chance comes early as Alresford get a shot away after a free kick into the box but the shot is saved and the header from the resulting corner goes just wide. Andover respond with a good chance of their own on the break which takes a fantastic block from an Alresford defender to keep it out. Andover get more into the game as the half goes on and a header from a free kick produces a good save from the Alresford keeper. Andover make their pressure count as another free kick isn't cleared, a scramble ensues that ends with the ball in the back of the Alresford net. Then as the half comes to an end, Andover think they've scored a spectacular second but the referee has already blown for a penalty which is dispatched to double the lead.

First half action at the clubhouse end

Andover continue where they left off and score from close range to make it three nil. This sparks Alresford back into life as a dipping shot from range is tipped over by the Andover keeper. They do get their goal as they break out and finally force the ball home from close range. The two goal deficit doesn't last long as Andover win their first penalty due to a soft looking foul. The spot kick is buried before Andover are awarded a bizarre third penalty. After an Andover ball in, an Alresford player is booked for something which prompts the Andover players to ask for a penalty. After running back to the half way line for a consultation with his linesman, the referee awards the third penalty which is converted much to Alresford's disgust. The visitors do get a second late on but it is scant consolation.

Goal mouth action in the second half

Andover is very easy to reach from London. All you have to do is catch a direct train from Waterloo that takes just over an hour. Unfortunately, the station is halfway between the ground and the town centre. If you have time to go in to town I recommend The Redbridge which had a great selection of beers and the sports channels. The ground is then a good forty five minute walk from town. About two thirds of the way there is The Chesnut Tree which is a good half way house and also had the sports channels. The clubhouse sells cans but does offer an elevated view of the action. I really liked the ground - a good mixture of cover across different levels - absolutely worth visiting.

Andover winger breaks through in the first half