Diamonds top at Christmas

For the second game in a row, Andover Diamonds found themselves in 2nd place in the league playing the top side. And as they had against West Wilts two weeks ago, they put USP to the sword with a convincing 6-1 win.

It was by no means straightforward, as USP took the lead after 5 minutes after some indifferent defending. Andover then found the USP goalie up for some action - first clattering Mike Boyne to the ground and then continually frustrating Andover’s attackers, with Mark Josling drawing a number of fine saves. However the Diamonds persistence paid off and they drew level as Richard Romer-Lee finished off a fine mazy run and cross from Mike Boyne, fresh from his masterclass the week before. And Andover made it 2 just before half time when Andrew Thomson popped up at the post and steered a wayward Romer-Lee shot past the keeper.

The second half saw pretty much one way traffic as Andover rather overwhelmed their hosts. They had chances galore before Josling, still being frustrated by USP’s keeper drew him at the near post and crossed for Romer-Lee to make it 3-1. Lance Mitchell steered a cracking Hacker cross over the line, in slow motion, before Josling finally got one past the keeper, albeit invoking the help of a bewildered and hapless defender.

Boyne had a couple of chances at the left hand post from penalty corners, the first of which flew over the bar when anything other than a score seemed impossible, but the second ended up as goal number 6 when he was the quickest to react from what was probably the least slick penalty corner move of the season.

Christmas at the top - here’s looking forward to 2018.