Andover New Street v. AFC Varsity

First Qualifying Round

Foxcotte Park, Andover 

Sunday 1st September 2024

As a side hustle on my road to Wembley, I am trying to pick up a few new ground ticks en route.

So opening round day, weather inclement, trains with engineering works, the decision was made to drive to Foxcotte Park the home of Andover New Street.

Very competitive fixture, with an unusual incident dominating the first half which probably ended up deciding the outcome. 

A couple of AFC Varsity players were undoubtedly in offside positions when a through ball came into the Andover half. Everyone stopped, linesman flagged, but the referee did not whistle. Seizing her opportunity a third quick thinking AFC Varsity player accelerated from her own half to intercept the ball unchallenged , rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball home. Cue pandemonium from the Andover players and supporters. The referee went over to his assistant - a long conversation ensued, the outcome of which was bizarrely a drop ball. Referee deciding that the Andover players had stopped due to an "external influence" and therefore the goal should not stand. Rule one: Play to the whistle surely?

The half-ended goalless, but early in the second an AFC player went down under a challenge in the penalty area and the ref pointed to the spot. Now it looked a soft one from where I was standing, and had all the hallmarks of a ref trying to make up for his earlier error. Varsity netted to go one up. From therein AFC took control of the game scoring twice more to a single reply from New Street.

The visitors always look the better side in my opinion and despite a valiant effort from the hosts its AFC that progress.

FT: Andover New Street 1 AFC Varsity 3