Rob resuscitates Men's 3's promotion push

Andover fielded a strong team for the home fixture against a youthful Yateley side. Even with the loss of top scorer Tom Lee at short notice Andover were able to line up with a formidable formation

Andover started well with Rob Eldrige looking to fill the shoes of Lee in his absence. After some early pressure Yateley con-seeded a second short corner from which Eldrige drove the ball home. This settled some early team nerves and Andover started to play some good short flowing hockey from which a pass was latched onto by Alfie Morgan who scored Andover's second. Andover continued play well with rolling subs and every team member playing their part. Towards end of the first half and against the run of play Yateley scored a well taken goal which gave Goalkeeper Steve Payne very little chance to save. Andover went in at half time 2-1 up.

Start of the second half Yateley came out very strong and where pushing to equalise. Andover remained strong and it took a short 5 minute spell to score two more goals.The first and his second came from Rob Eldridge who slotted home from a military precision pass from James Rochester. Not to be out done Alfie Morgan scored his second a well taken slap shot from the back post back across the Yateley keeper.

This should have seen Yateley off but a lack of discipline and some sloppy defence let Yateley back into the game as they scored two goals. This made for a nervous last 5 minutes but the Andover side dug in and secured the 4-3 Victory.

Man of the Match Alfie Morgan two goals and showed a much better level of concentration in his performance.

Thanks to Umpires Tim May and Harry Trott for keeping the game flowing. A good all round team Performance and plenty of competition for places for our next home game against Bournemouth.

Funny story of the day , My wife came up to watch me play today and said hello to me on the side line while I coached and managed the team. When I got home I could not even remember her being there or speaking to me. Who 's says this Hockey is not serious stuff I must have just been in the Zone! (Or Its my age)