Andover succumb to brilliant Fareham comeback
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM TOWN extended their amazing league winning run to four games as they travelled to play-off rivals Andover New Street on Tuesday evening (February 11); eventually securing a three-two away success against their “high-flying” opponents following a superb comeback display that was enjoyed by a loud gate at the DH Property Services Stadium.
Andover came out brightly despite cold temperatures and opened this scoring after six minutes with their first real foray forward; Lewis Williams cutting inside and calmly placing the effort past Declan McCarthy. And it was two-nil before the fifteenth minute as the hosts were awarded a penalty for a clumsy tackle that was soon converted by Callum Sweeney.
The Creeksiders responded quick to these setbacks and saw Alfie Bridgman volley harmlessly off target from the angle before a shot by Charlie Cooper was blocked at source on twenty-four minutes. This was followed by a notable chance for Andover as incisive passing worked itself into Williams who beat his marker with a turn but lashed high over the bar.
The deficit was halved after 32 minutes for Fareham as a set-piece sparked a huge goalmouth scramble and saw Stan Bridgman’s low shot blocked; this rebound falling to Lewis Colvin and he blasted inside the top right corner for two-one. This was the final noteworthy opportunity before the interval, with both sides playing in a tight and narrow midfield area.
A slow start to this second half awaited for fans as the two teams continued to cancel each other out; although Williams and Sweeney went closer with varying half-chances for Andover before the hour. But the game suddenly brought to life on 61 minutes as Cooper picked a ball up and let rip with a pile-driver from thirty yards which levelled the scores at 2-2.
Elliot Holmes tried to replicate this opening upon the restart but it flew over the bar after sixty-four minutes and this was followed with Bridgman being saved by the home keeper. Substitutions helped the hosts to halt this pressure as a shot was fiercely fired off target and Andover saw a number of corners that were cleared by a stubborn defensive rearguard.
Both teams were pushing for the winner and it was Fareham who scored it on the 72nd minute through Alfie Bridgman; who burst into the box and stroked home to make it 3-2. They should have made it four-two with Matt Pates firing wide and attacker Sam Woodward brushed the post after fine moves; the visitors holding onto a very deserved away victory.
Simon Woods’ outfit sit fourth in the Wessex League table and are one of the key teams for play-off contention after 22 matches to date; whilst chasing teams have played more matches so far. Fareham’s next encounter will see them host Wincanton Town on Saturday afternoon, before a visit to Hythe & Dibden on 18/02 and Sherborne Town four days later.
PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN: Away attacker takes a shot on target from distance as defenders try to stop the ball.
