Diamonds positive despite defeat

An injury-hit Diamonds traveled to Guildford with 11 players. Guildford put the makeshift Diamonds defence under pressure from the off but the visitors held firm. John Priestley-Cooper and Richard Hoo ran the channels up front and the Diamonds were able to settle into the match. Guildford broke the deadlock on 20 minutes from a penalty corner strike that left goalkeeper Dave Rutherford no chance. A fortunate second goal to the home side followed soon after. Glyn Hacker, challenging for the ball, was blocked off by a Guildford player and whilst everyone was waiting for the whistle to blow, the ball fell to a Guildford forward who slotted past Rutherford.

On the stroke of half time Guildford scored their third and at the break the Diamonds felt as though their first half performance didn't deserve to see them three goals down.

A refreshed Andover started the second half determined to get the next goal. The defence of Mike Nutley, Glyn Hacker, Mike Boyne and man of the match Gary Holmes restricted Guildford to just a few clear chances and it was the same at the other end as Diamonds continued to press showing no sign of tiring despite the lack of substitutes.

Diamonds came away from the match with confidence that they could get something out of the reverse fixture next year, injuries permitting.