ALRESFORD TN 0, ANDOVER TN 2

ALRESFORD, after a superb second half of the season in the Sydenhams Premier League, completed their campaign with a surprise home defeat to Andover, who completed a notable double over the Magpies.

Alresford made the early running at Arlebury Park and forced three consecutive corners. The home side won several more corners from sustained pressure, but struggled to breach the Andover defence.

Then, just before half-time, the game changed when a cross from Reece Rusher was headed into his own net by Aaron Blaxall to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.

Alresford had several chances to equalise in the second half and hit the woodwork twice.

The Magpies lacked their usual cutting-edge, though, and Andover put the game to bed in the 85th minute when Reece Rusher broke through on goal and took the ball past Dan Kempson to slot home.

Andover thus maintained their record of never having lost to Alresford and this was also their first clean sheet for 17 games.

However, after last season’s struggle, fifth place in the Premier Division is an excellent achievement for Alresford Town and manager Richard Luffman.