Spirited performance against unbeaten table toppers Alton 3's

Andover fielded 6 junior players with Ed Duffield making his first senior appearance for the adult team. The aim was to press this Alton side making use of the large 15 man squad and the young legs. Andover started well and forced a few errors in the ageing but wise back three of Alton. Totally against the run of play Alton managed to break down the Andover defence which was being marshalled well by Rob Eldridge to take a 1-0 lead into half time.

Second half Andover came out strong again still very much in the game and pushed for the equaliser. After a lot of pressure and a lapse in the Andover defence Alton from a shot at the top of the D managed to score a second goal. Andover kept going and and mid way through the second half Tom Lee chased down what was thought to be a lost cause and forced an error from the Alton goalkeeper. He underestimated the speed of Lee and he was forced to kick the ball outside of his area leading to a yellow card. Andover after a lot of discussion between the two umpires and change of goalie for Alton scored the awarded short corner ,which was converted by Rob Eldrige making it 2-1 to Alton.

This lifted the Andover side. As they started to push for the equaliser they were left open at the back and Alton scored a third. The game became disjointed towards the end as Alton tried to break the Andover teams momentum with another substitution of Goal keeper all very bizarre. The game ended 3-1 to Alton but this score line did not reflect the Andover teams performance in what was very close game.

Another good team performance and a lot of positive stuff to carry forward to the next home game against Yateley where the promotion push can be put back on track. Thanks to Steve Payne today for helping out in goal and my Wife for doing our tea's :)