(Wessex League Division 1)

Yet another roller-coaster for Spurs.  This one was slightly different, as it was Spurs’ turn to throw away a two-goal advantage, though again they finished up triumphant (just).

Spurs took command from the opening whistle and soon took the lead with a header from Adam Crittenden after a Tom Chillery corner.  Quarter of an hour into the game, they doubled their lead with a fine goal by Crittenden following a superb pass inside the fullback from Chillery and a pinpoint cross from young winger Luke Walsh.  The visitors might have scored more, but profligate finishing let them down.  However, the teams turned round with Spurs apparently comfortably in control.

Andover came out in the second half with much more purpose and created a couple of early chances, though Spurs also had opportunities that they should really have put away.  Midway through the half, home defender Ryan Lake headed home following a poorly-defended corner, and Nic Turpin soon equalised.  Spurs appeared rattled, and it was no surprise when with quarter of an hour to go, home skipper Vinny Rusher beat keeper Mark Appleby with a strong right-foot shot from close range.  However, Spurs then showed their character with three goals in a five-minute spell.  First of all, Sam Knowles equalised with a powerful shot from outside the box and two minutes later, Crittenden completed his hat-trick.  Home keeper Dave Witcher then brought Crittenden down in the box, and Knowles converted from the spot with a low shot to the keeper’s right.  Despite a couple of opportunities in the last 10 minutes, there was no more scoring.

After the match manager Neil Baker said “The lads showed their spirit with yet another fight-back, but we really must stop conceding silly goals.”

Spurs have scored twenty points out of the last twenty-four possible, and now stand 12th in the league, and still have games in hand against most of the sides around them.  For the first time in several seasons, they’ve gained more wins than defeats.  They entertain AFC Aldermaston at Southwood in their next game on Saturday (kick-off 3.00).