WESSEX LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2022
VERWOOD TOWN 3 ANDOVER TOWN 0

It was a complete reverse of our opening spell midweek against Hamworthy United. Just missing was a goal.

In the first minute McWilliams and Fishlock steamed down the left and Fishlock's delivery into the box went unchallenged and out for dead.

Andover retaliated immediately with a good ball across the face of our goal giving Mitchell a chance to get his first touch.

Only 4 minutes gone and Joe Smith forced his way past a defender on the left. Andover's cover blocked progress by making a bid for Smith's shirt. A free kick 20 yards out. The keeper wasn't tested.

We were playing good football and should have been a couple ahead but shots from McWilliams and Fishlock went wide.

Andover's central attacks were well controlled by in form Davis and Kerr. Broad and Mason looked comfortable against their opposite numbers.

11 minutes and pressure paid off. Mason and McWilliams worked the left flank releasing Joe Smith just outside the box. A strong shoulder fended off a tackle leaving room for the shot. 1-0.

A minute later Smith almost made it two but this time the keeper was out quickly to save at feet.

Carswell was the architect of an opening half way through the half but Burpitt's run was halted and cleared.

The game flowed with our possession a high percentage.

Half Time 1-0

Andover broke through straight from the whistle but Carswell had tracked back and together with Davis took the ball away from danger.

Andover's persistence gave presence in the box and it took a brilliant Broad sliding tackle with 8 minutes gone to block the shot. The referee was under pressure in not allowing a penalty but the lines were of the same opinion as the ref in waving play on.

It was spot for spot as Storey made way for Stock after 12 minutes.

Andovers pressure in the first half of the half pushed us back and for a lengthy period we relied heavily on defensive qualities. Hard graft from midfield and defence won the day and with 20 minutes gone Mason's high long range blast from his own half cleared the keeper and dropped into the net 2-0.

At the re start Burpitt came off to give Farndell minutes.

Andover pushed on. We defended well but for some inexplicable reason gave space for Andover to gain possession. Mitchell was busy but helped by good defensive cover.

Our counter's should have yielded. Decision making in front of the sticks was slow. The game should have been put to bed but we frittered chances.

32 and a Mitchell clearance found Kerr. A daisy cutter whipped past defenders and Smith raced away to draw the keeper. 3-0.

It made for a good finish. Andover pressed and went for broke again. Mitchell took a couple of high balls into the box as we played our way to three points.

Result. 3-0