Chichester 2 v Andover

Report written by ‘Beefy’ Haigh.

This past Saturday Andover faced a winnable but potentially tough opponent in bottom of the table Chichester who had played 3 games and lost all 3 too. Andover who had won last week against a similarly tenacious opponent were looking for a similar performance, (minus their own mistakes) to win them the game.

The first 15 minutes of the game were cagey and end to end. Both teams trying to put their own stamp on the game and provide a goal for the match. Chichester were courageous up top and forcing opportunities of their own but nothing that Keeper Jordan Dennis had to hugely worry himself about, as he put in another solid performance between the posts this week.

Mark Eggington was making light work with his ball retention and link up play down the right to offer Andover some alterations in approach to beating the stubborn opponent, as he linked nicely with the midfield of Ivan Daley, Liam O’Sullivan and Jack Trott, encouraging Andover to continue their possession of the right hand channel. The creativity of the midfield three and Jamie Hacker started the buildup first goal of the game on Andover’s behalf as some scintillating play opened up a chance for Dan Allan who slotted not only his first goal of the season, but possibly his first reverse of his career. 0-1.

The 1s, playing in their burgundy away kit this weekend, were finding themselves fighting to control the ball in a ropey stage of the game as Chichester deserved some credit, as they were offering a challenge to the Andover defence. But the persistence of the leading team, to soak up the pressure from the home side and to redirect their energy after periods of defending was commendable to the point where they found Ben Anthony another goal for his tally, as he was found in space in the D and placed it beyond the trailing keeper.
0-2.

The away side were continuing their attacking mobility with a struggle after their second goal, as Chichester’s attack was finally making some in-roads into the game. If it were not for the spectacular saves of David Edwards on the line as well as Jordan Dennis in goal- but also if Angus Haigh were able to throw and aerial, the score line could have been very different but the defensive unit of the team worked hard to keep the home team at bay.

It only took a counter attack for Andover to find their 3rd goal as Sam Goacher sent a searching ball to Charlie Scowen who picked the ball up after an unfortunate first touch from the Chichester centre back and ran towards goal. He then sent a smart ball over to Allan who was left one on one with keeper and found his composure to take it around him and slot it calmly against the backboard. 0-3.

This was a performance that demonstrates to the league that Andover 1s performances contain a level of guile to score the amount of goals they do and the composure in order to maintain a clean sheet. Andover remain in 4th place but 3 points behind 1st place, Aldershot & Farnham, with the latter having a game in hand.