After three postponements, the long-awaited local derby between Andover Town FC and Andover New Street FC finally took place on Tuesday evening under the floodlights at the Portway Stadium — and it did not disappoint.
Despite a heavy, muddy pitch following weeks of poor weather, the quality and intensity of the contest were not compromised, as both sides produced an entertaining and competitive encounter.
It was Andover New Street who struck first, taking the lead through Roocroft. The forward showed sharp instincts inside the box to finish clinically and give the visitors early momentum.
New Street doubled their advantage before the break when Claudio Herbert found the net, capitalising on sustained pressure to put clear daylight between the two sides.
The standout moment of the night came for the third goal. Roocroft once again proved influential, skilfully beating his defender before delivering a precise cross into the area. Shane Lock met it emphatically, blasting the ball into the net to effectively seal the tie.
Andover Town battled throughout and managed to pull a goal back, but the deficit proved too much to overturn as New Street held firm to secure a deserved 3–1 victory.
The result sees Andover New Street progress to the next round of the North Hants Senior Cup, while Andover Town exit the competition after a hard-fought derby played in challenging conditions.