BY REPORTER Tim Bates
ANDOVER NEW STREET 2 – 1 DOWNTON
Andover New Street beat Downton FC 2-1 at home in what can only be described as a highly entertaining game of football. The Street opened the scoring thanks to some silky magic down the left hand side from number seven Shane Lock.
The Street forward, approached the Downton defence producing a ‘Ronaldo like’ step-over that left the Downton defence stranded. Lock then put the ball on a plate for Street number nine, Craig Harding, who fired the ball passed Downton keeper, Taylor. Harding and Lock seemed to have a telepathic understanding of each other playing some magical football between them.
The second goal for Street started when Harding’s deft first touch created space for him to deliver the perfect pass for Shane Lock, whose delicate chip over the flailing Taylor sailed beautifully into the back of the net.
Going into half time, Street were two goals ahead and looking very comfortable. As the second half got under way, Shane Lock was attacking the Downton defence once more and he almost scored his second. It was some solid defence from Downton that stopped his left footed strike from converting.
From this point onwards, Downton seemed to pull their socks up and put tremendous pressure on New Street. In the 58th minute, a whipped in cross from the left led to a first time finish from Downton number nine, Moseley, beating Street goalkeeper Sean O’Brien with ease.
However, as the rain began to pour and the flood lights lit up Foxcotte Park, Street held onto their lead and came away with a much needed victory.
My man of the match was Craig Harding. His first touch was exquisite all afternoon. Shane Lock wasn’t far behind in terms of outstanding performances.
Andover New Street FC now sit eleventh in the table. Their next game is the mouth-watering derby against the ‘in form’ Andover Town FC at home.
