We shall never surrender - true grit and determination secures a great result

Heading to Haslemere on a baking hot Sunday afternoon knowing you only had 11 players was a little concerning. This was even more worrying when 10 minutes before pushback was meant to happen we still only had 8 players due to traffic problems. With only 10 players actually making it we had to call on the support of Ed Duffield who thought he had a lazy Sunday watching his brother playing.

After a nerve racking build up to the game the team needed reshaping with defenders in short supply and forwards dominating the numbers. After much grumbling players were dragged kicking and screaming in to their new positions ready to enter the fray. After 20 minutes of “finding their feet” and getting used to their new positions the Andover Team drew first blood slotting a lovely goal home. Buoyed by this unexpected turn of events Andover quickly extended this lead with the clatter of another ball hitting the back of the Haslemere net. Haslemere were not going to give up and with fresh legs from their substitutes, with two minutes remaining before half time, they made their attacks count. Andover leading 2-1 entering half time was a fantastic and unexpected position be in.

The heat and lack of fresh legs, coupled with the fact the forgetful coach forgot to issue out the Jelly Beans at half time, started to show as the Andover players flagged from their sterling first half efforts. Haslemere quickly scored two goals taking them in to the lead and then the Andover boys got their second wind. The game turned with Andover hunting down the ball with true grit and determination. Wave after wave of white hit the Haslemere D, unfortunately being skilfully rebuffed by the boys in green who surged back at Andover in a tense end to end battle of wills. Finally, with just three minutes remaining, the scores drew level. The last three minutes were nearly all Andover as they pressed on determined to try to win the game, but Haslemere clawed on to finish in a well-earned draw.

I have not named names today as the performance from everyone was just fantastic. I have not seen such grit, determination and hard work from these boys on a level like this before…… “we will never surrender” is the new moto for the 2017/18 season. Well done boys.