Unfortunate Defeat for the 1st XI

A long trip turned into a long day for the weakened Andover 1st team as they travelled into the heart of London to face HAC. Late deductions from the squad left a single substitute meaning the explosive playing style that Andover had boasted for the first three games was going to be a challenge.

HAC started the game swiftly and free flowing, shortly rewarded by their first goal when Andover were caught napping on a short corner. Andover pressed hard with George Allmark leading the charge and making a lot of ground as the opposing defence struggled to contain. However it was HAC to find the net again from the break to make it 2-0.

Andover looked to get back in the game as a flurry of attacks ended with Dan Allen rounding the HAC centre back and finding Ben Anthony on the far post who kept composed the see the ball home. The comeback was short lived when HAC were awarded another short corner which was converted powerfully into the bottom corner.

The second half saw a deadlock both ways. Man of the match Ben Evans working hard to contain the middle of the park and Conner Baverstock making an exceptional save to stop HAC running away with the game early in the half. Andover turned. the pressure on towards the final moments and looked to set an exciting end to the game when Mark Frost smashed into the roof of the net before the umpires judged and Andover foot before hand.

Andover return to their fortress at John Hanson next week to take on league leaders Sunbury and Walton Hawks with a hope to returning to strength