Andover II 3 v US Portsmouth 4

Andover II 3 US Portsmouth 4

Andover started strongly against a much improved US Portsmouth team who they had previously beaten in a pre season friendly.

Rosie Kavanagh was a constant threat down the right side using both pace and skill to get down the line and provide some excellent crosses in the first half. Andover did not capitalise on the chances and it was Rosie who took matters into her own hands, attacking again down the right and into the D to fire the ball home from a tight angle.

Andover continued to look strong, pressing the opposition on any free hit and containing them well. A rare attack from US Portsmouth right at the end of the first half saw them win a short corner, which they converted with the last strike of the half.

Andover were not deterred and came out fighting in the 2nd half, however it was US Portsmouth who took the lead with a short corner following a rare attack. Andover continued to press and were soon rewarded with a penalty flick. A shot from Kirsty Brewer was saved on the line with the rebound falling to Sally Prior who's powerful shot left the keeper with no chance. As the ball crossed the line the umpire blew for a penalty flick after spotting an infringement on the line. The resulting short corner was converted by Louise Cuff.

Andover were again unlucky to concede a third goal, after a high ball was deflected into the goal off an Andover player as she desperately tried to protect herself from the loose ball.

With the score now at 2 - 3 to US Portsmouth Andover were in no mood to give up, and some more determined play saw another penalty flick awarded following a foul in the D in this tense and occasionally bad tempered game. It was Louise Cuff who again stepped up to convert the flick with a powerful shot into the bottom left corner.

The buoyed Andover team continued to press in search of the winning goal. Unfortunately it wasn't quite going to be their day as late in the game it was US Portsmouth who were awarded a penalty flick with the shot leaving keeper Dana Shelly with little chance.

Despite the disappointment of the result, each and every Andover team member should be proud of their performance, with every player giving 100% commitment and working tirelessly for each other. The result was a very solid and competent performance which can only bode well for forthcoming matches.