Match Report: Hythe & Dibden FC 1–1 Andover New Street FC (Street win 5–3 on penalties)
By Kelly Wilson
On a wet and windy Tuesday evening, Andover New Street made the trip down to Hythe & Dibden for their Russell Cotes Cup clash — and returned home victorious after a dramatic penalty shootout win. Despite the testing conditions, Street’s composure, discipline, and determination saw them through to the next round.
Street started the match brightly, setting the tone early with high energy and attacking intent. Lock and Kokoszka worked tirelessly on the wings, feeding dangerous balls into the box and driving the team forward. The opening fifteen minutes saw both sides adjusting to the slick surface, but once the tempo settled, it was Street who held the upper hand.
The hosts grew into the game with some promising play, yet Street looked the sharper of the two sides throughout the first half. The back line, expertly marshalled by George Bennett, provided calm and assurance in difficult conditions. Bennett’s leadership, decision-making, and experience at the heart of defence were key as the rain lashed down and the ball skidded across the soaked pitch.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Street were unlucky not to find the breakthrough before half-time, their efforts denied by last-ditch defending and the unpredictable weather.
The second half began much like the first — Street pressing high, winning key battles, and creating chances. Their persistence finally paid off just five minutes after the restart when Claudio Herbert showed real composure to slot the ball coolly under the keeper and into the bottom corner, giving Street a deserved 1–0 lead.
With confidence growing, Street continued to control the play, though frustration crept in as more opportunities went begging. New signing Ollie Erdinc impressed in midfield, breaking up play, closing down attacks, and linking neatly with his teammates to launch quick transitions forward.
However, with ten minutes to play, Hythe found a way back into the contest. A looping cross found the head of Liam Goulding, levelling the score at 1–1. The home side, buoyed by their equaliser, pushed hard in the closing stages, but Street’s defence stood firm, led again by the ever-reliable Bennett.
With no further goals, the tie went to penalties — a situation Street know well. Up stepped Bennett, Thatcher, Laptas, Herbert, and Clancy, all of whom showed ice-cool composure to convert their spot kicks. Hythe managed three from four, meaning the fifth wasn’t needed as Street sealed a 5–3 shootout victory and their place in the next round of the Russell Cotes Cup.
A hard-fought and deserved triumph for Andover New Street — one built on teamwork, focus, and a refusal to be beaten by either the weather or the occasion.
