ANDOVER TN 5, ALRESFORD TN 2

ALRESFORD ended Andover’s 16-match unbeaten run in November and also trounced them in the Hampshire Senior Cup, but the Sydenham League leaders gained ample revenge on Saturday, downing the Magpies in a seven-goal battle.

Richard Luffman’s side were understandably aggrieved at the end of the day, three of Andover’s five goals being penalties, all controversial.

For the opening 20 minutes at Portway, it appeared that Alresford might complete the hat-trick. Three Andover players picked up yellow cards and Luke Cairney made two fine saves as the visitors dominated the early stages.

However, Andover were clinical when the chances came along. Dan Kempson saved well from Zach Glasspool’s close-range header, but it was the former Alresford striker who put the leaders in front, scoring in a goalmouth scramble after Mike Gosney’s corner.

Just before half-time, Jason Silver hit the back of the Alresford net with a cracking volley, but, bizarrely, play was pulled back for a penalty – for a foul on Silver.

Glasspool eventually converted to give Andover a two-goal cushion at half-time.

The hosts wasted no time on the restart and Glasspool released Alex Dockree who finished in style.

Trailing 3-0, Alresford gave themselves hope on 55 minutes when Emmanuel Yeboah, on loan from Sutton United, calmly sidefooted home.

But Andover won a soft penalty for a foul on Glasspool and this time Gosney beat Kempson from the spot.

With 10 minutes left, Andover’s third penalty award puzzled both sides, but Gosney was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and scored a carbon-copy second goal to make it five.

Substitute Craig Harding replied for Alresford on 88 minutes and a second goal was the least they deserved. Andover were worthy winners, but this was never a 5-2 match.

• Alresford travel to Shaftesbury this Saturday. On Tuesday, the Magpies visit Hamble Club in the Sydenhams League Cup. The winners will meet Fawley AFC away in the quarter-finals.