West Wilts 4 - Diamonds 2

Andover Diamonds continue to struggle in the top division of the Wessex Masters League, but on this occasion their excellent performance deserved more than another heart wrenching defeat.

Andover started the game in positive fashion and their fast attacking play was causing the home defense problems right from the outset. Finding more space and time on the ball, their high tempo was rewarded with a goal midway through the opening half. A brilliant move started on the left wing found Greig Taylor at the top of the circle and his perfectly weighted pass put Glyn Hacker through on goal. As the keeper slid out the Andover skipper smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Andover continued to threaten going forward but were unable to capitalise on their good build-up play. The Wiltshire side were restricted in the main to fast breaks and it was from one of these that they equalised just before the interval. A quick break down the Andover right was not dealt with and the ball broke to an unmarked forward in the 'D' and he gave Dave Rutherford little chance from 5 yards out.

The second half was similar to the first with both sides creating chances, but where Andover spurned their opportunities the home side took theirs and much to the shock of Andover they very quickly found themselves 4 - 1 down.

To their credit, Andover continued to mount a spirited comeback & they narrowed the losing margin when Mike Boyne's shot at goal was blocked and he followed up the rebound to flick the ball home.

Although they continued to battle and create chances they couldn't pull back the two goals to reward them with a point that their performance deserved.