Diamonds' Cup Success

The Diamonds started the New Year showing few signs of the Christmas excesses clearly enjoyed by many of them as they maintained their winning streak in emphatic style.

A 7-1 Vase win against Bournemouth saw them progress to the semi final on a bitterly cold day. After a tentative and probing start, chances started to come for the Andover forwards although early chances were spurned as both John Priestley-Cooper and Mark Josling found balance issues. Richard Romer-Lee finally secured the break-through as fired Andover ahead from Mark Josling’s through ball. Mid-way through the first half Russell Hemming, loitering at the back post, made it 2-0 with a well-taken reverse stick poach. Mark Josling increased the home side's lead before half time calmly slotting home from close range.

The second half saw Andover dominating possession, with Richard Hoo, Greig Taylor and Andy Thomson showing the watching Glyn Hacker what he was missing with some slick passing from midfield. John Priestley-Cooper showed all his experience of positioning and finishing by scoring twice in 5 minutes following the restart. The second of these the pick of the bunch as he casually lifted the ball over a tangled Mark Josling and the Bournemouth keeper.

A little bit of complacency and casual passing allowed Bournemouth an opportunity to pull a goal back with a deflected shot before Mike Boyne and Richard Romer-Lee scored 2 late goals, selfishly set up by Mark Josling.

A good start to 2018 as the Diamonds progress to the semi-final of the Vase. Next up is the resumption of the league fixtures with a home match against Chichester.