19/05/2024
Division 2:
Basingstoke Reserves 3 - 1 Andover MvF
Andover made the short trip across to Basingstoke today off the back of securing a playoff final spot last time out. Neither team could move from their current positions but both wanting to go out on high.
The match started a bit cagey with both teams having to grow into their chances. Andover were creating some great passing without really causing Basingstoke any problems.
The opening goal went to the home side however as Marc Ferguson stepped up from the middle to find winger Connor Andrews, who slotted past the keeper on the angle.
It took a while for the second goal but it was again Basingstoke who doubled their lead before halftime when Sam Davis put in a looping ball which the keeper tried to control, leading to Christian Walker to steal and place into an empty net.
Basingstoke started the second half brightly too, Walker winning a free kick on the left hand side of the Andover box. Up stepped manager Steve Beaumont to fire in from the angle which the keeper got behind but there was too much on the ball to keep out.
Andover finally started to find more chances and make more positive attacks. One of those attacks led to them getting their consolation goal when…
Manager Richard Farley held off 3 players who were giving pressure but his quick feet meant he was able to slip it to Adi Cristea, who in turn passed it to Dan Sammarco to scored.
The game petered out for a well deserved Basingstoke win, with the depleted Andover team surely looking ahead to their Playoff final in 2 weeks!