Andover U18 XI 0 Farnborough U18 XI 4

THE early morning rain cleared just in time for Andover U18s' 10 o'clock push-off against visitors Farnborough. Andover figured a mixed squad of 14 for this league match, and were up against Farnborough's nine!

Starting strongly, Andover's attack could well have scored twice in the first five minutes, but instead it was the visitors who took the lead from a neat short corner routine won on their first attack.

Being their first outing together Andover's squad took time to settle into their positions and a tactical routine, while the visitors were a slick, strong, experienced side, who at times Andover found difficult to contain.

Play flowed rapidly from end to end as each defence broke down the opposing attacks and countered.

Despite much hard work by the young Andoverians, who were unlucky not to score on several occasions, it was the visitors who scored a secondbefore the half-time whistle. Settling to half-time substitutions the visitors found holes in the home defence to score in the fourth and sixth minutes. Belatedly Andover plugged the holes, and then went on to fight hard to get goals in the second half.

But it was not to be, as the visiting keeper was having a blinder of a game, denying every attempt.

The whole of the Andover squad deserve praise, and if they continue playing with such vigour, results will soon be in their favour!