Oxted 3rd XI 2-3 Andover 1st XI

Match report 21st October by Dan Allen

Oxted 3rd XI 2-3 Andover 1st XI

Andover travelled to an undefeated Oxted side looking to get back on track from an undeserved loss
to Romsey last weekend. The welcomed wet conditions leaving the pitch smooth and fast, ideal for
Andover’s flowing play style. Availability saw a few exciting changes to the line up, Roberts stepping
up and filling in at right back pushing Allmark into the midfield and Hacker running a great shift on
the wing.

Andover mounted pressure from the outset and the ball pinged from end to end. Against the run of
play Oxted made the break from a well placed drag flick leaving McClenaghan little chance in the
goal mouth. This was swiftly met by Andover’s rolling subs and Goacher relentless in forcing the ball
over the line as the frantic Oxted keeper denied Bridge and Trott from the short corner.
Oxted’s pace dwindled towards the half whilst Anthony and Allmark linked together to exploit the
space. Allmark calm and collected as he picked Anthony’s pass in the D before slotting home past
the keeper.

Taking the lead into the half was a big boost for the visiting side and were quick to identify the
opposition growing tired as the game progressed. The second half taking largely the same tone as
the first. Andover pressing for more goals to put the game beyond doubt early. Oxted’s appealing to
the umpire growing tiresome and cards awarded to the home team putting the further under
pressure as they failed time and time again to trouble Andover’s back wall of Robert, Woolf and
Bridge.

Andover threatened the Oxted goal time and time again. Trott unlucky in controlling an aerial with
his face, Anthony inches from a pass that saw him clear on goal and Hacker firing narrowly wide. The
effort rewarded when man of the match Allmark sent a pinpoint crash ball to Allen on the keeper
who got just enough on it to steer through the off balance legs of the Oxted keeper.
3-1 down Oxted threw everything they had left, the wingers frantically dribbling at the defiant
Andover defence and shouting for every possible penalty corner. Eventually they were awarded one
and their drag flicker again leaving little hope for a save. Ultimately Oxted were unable to do enough
as Andover held possession for the dying seconds.

Coach Sordillo comments: ‘Really pleased with the performance today, we could have been more
clinical but that’s something to work on. We’re going to be working all week to take the same form
back home and look for another result against Wanderer’s.

Squad: McClenaghan, Roberts, Woolf, Bridge, J Trott, Daley, Allmark (MOM), Goacher, O’Sullivan,
Anthony, Brooks, Allen, Hacker, H Trott
Coach: James Sordillo
Manager: Andy Bridge