Andover FC Youth Team

Andover A were unlucky to be moved down a division at the end of last season, but, credit to the boys and the team spirit, the squad stayed together. Along with a number of new squad members, they started to build for the 2009-2010 season with some pre-season tournaments. Entering 4 tournaments, the boys made it through to 3 finals, coming runners up at Oakley for the 3rd Year running (This year surely will be our year)! The other 2 finals were both won with victory in the Andover tournament most pleasing due to the quality of the teams that had entered. The team set out in a buoyant mood going into the season targeting nothing other than getting promotion and winning the league. The season opener against Oakley was a tight game with Andover having to come back from a goal down to win the game 2-1, which, as it would turn out, would be a key win with Oakley eventually coming runners up in the league. The team went on to win their next 10 league games with victories over a number of title contenders including Hatch Warren 2-1, Tadley 8-2, Thatcham Town 8-0. In amongst the league run victories in the Hampshire Cup and League Cup moved the team through the stages of both cups. Unfortunately both cup runs came to an end within the space of a month leaving only the league title to go for. Going into February and the team playing well, Andover travelled to Tadley in mid February and were to suffer their first defeat of the season going down 2-0. Andover bounced back from that shock defeat by winning their next 3 games, which included a 3-0 victory over promotion contenders Oakley. One more hiccup followed with a defeat suffered at home to Hatch Warren, which put a bit of pressure on the team to win their remaining games. Although actually winning the title on the pitch was taken out of their hands as the last game of the season was called of due to the opposition not being able to raise a team. This was a bit disappointing as, after a long hard season, the boys wanted to celebrate in style at the end of the game which after all the hard work and effort that had been put in they thoroughly deserved. 2009 / 2010 Squad : Noah Young, Jake Parker, Jordan Brown, Bradley Staff, Matthew Soper, Oscar Reed, Billy Gilson, Sam Collier, Dan Jackson, Matthew Harper-Ronald, Dan Makin, Derron Gayle, Sam Edwards, Jack Deery, Joe Thomas, Mark Ingram, Connor Ferguson. Manager Andy Staff, Trainer and Assistant Coach Chris Jackson

Andy Staff, May 24, 12:56

---

Andover travelled to the Thames Valley for the penultimate game againts Frilsham and Yattenden, knowing a win would vitually secure the league title. From the outset, it was clear the enforced lay-off waiting for other teams to play catch-up with games, had had an effect on the lads edge. In the first 10 minutes, Andover created a dozen clear chances but seemed unable to deliver the killer blow. With 20 minutes gone, a through ball on the right released Jordan Brown who curled the ball past the Frilsham keeper for 1 - 0. All was not well though, as perhaps bouyed by the chances being missed by Andover, Frilsham came back into the game, playing some nice passing football. The pressure grew and Frilsham went close when a good strike rattled Andover's cross bar. Two minutes later, the inevitable happened as Frilsham scored a well worked goal to even it up at 1 - 1. Following the half time team talk, the situation remained much the same with both teams moving end to end cancelling each other out. Andover were unable to play their normal passing game which led to frustration. Staffy started packing his bags and mumbling resignation if the league was thrown away at the last hurdle. With three minutes to go, an away draw was on the cards until Staffy dipped into the Alex Ferguson rescue manual. On came Sam Collier for a last push. It was all Andover as the boys pushed for a win; corner followed corner, with no result. With literally seconds to go, and without any warning, Sam Collier lashed his foot out from the edge of the area and the ball flew into the top left hand corner. It needed a wonder goal to do it and this was certainly up there for Goal of the Season. A brief gasp of disbelief could be heard from both sets of supporters on the side. Did that just go in? Yes it did and Andover were up. The restart lasted a few kicks and the ref blew for full time. Frilsham held their heads in their hands, knowing a good end of seaon result had eluded them and Andover could celebrate yet another victory. This was by no means a vintage performance by the boys, with no one player shining out. They know a more confident display will be needed on Wednesday to win the game well and grab the league title at last.

Andy Staff, May 18, 13:07

---

The boys travelled to sunny Oakley who are 2nd in the league, looking to consolodate their top of the table position. During a frustrating first half, Oakley pressed Andover, who found it difficult to keep possession of the ball for more than a few minutes, failing to find a red shirt after winning the ball back. Andover did create chances however and came close through Matt Soper and Matt Harper-Ronald. Having shouted himself hoarse, Staffy had to resort to a softly softly half time chat (something Martin O'Neil copied at Aston Villa later that afternoon!) It reaped its reward at the start of the second half, with a more confident passing game played by the lads. Particularly effective was Oscar Reed in a new spoiling role at the centre of midfield. His physical presence added something to the play, breaking up Oakley attacks and winning the ball for Andover on numerous occasions. Within 10 minutes of the start, the Oakley right back started to wobble going close with a near own goal before giving away a penalty by fouling Matt Harper Ronald in the box. Oscar Reed stepped up and finished neatly in the corner for his first goal of the season. Andover then went two up when Matt Harper Ronald was released by a through ball to go one on one. His first attempt was blocked by the keeper but Matt slotted it in at the second attempt. Andover could have gone three up a few minutes later when the Oakley keeper bundled Harper Ronald over. Jack Deery stepped up to take the penalty, however he scuffed his shot, dragging it wide just past the left hand post. A further period of solid play was rewarded five minutes later when Matt Soper finished a neat passing phase, by popping the ball over the keeper after running onto the ball. A short mention perhaps for Jake Parker who put in another solid defensive performance at left back also Jack Deery,Joe Thomas,Connor Ferguson and Mark Ingram for a well earned clean sheet. The contrast in the two halves was marked and proved that the boys have the necessary character to pull together a solid performance, if only to save Andy from losing his voice!

Andy Staff, Mar 10, 21:09

---

Andover under 13s v Sherborne St John Andover under 13`s (A) got their title challenge back on track after suffering their first league defeat of the season the previous week. Goals from Matt Soper (3) Matt Harper Ronald (2) Sam Collier (1) and Billy Gilson (2) lead to a convincing 8-1 win over Sherborne St John. Andover started the game well and created a number of chances and controlling the game, two goals mid way through the first half seemed to kick start sherborne and they replied with a goal before half time. The start of the second half again seen Andover creating a number of chances with out killing the game off. With fifteen minuets left the game was in the balance and the next goal was always going to be crucial Andover got that all important goal which allowed them to relax and go on to finish the game scoring another 5 goals

Andy Staff, Mar 01, 12:12

---

Andover arrived at Aldermaston to a pitch barely playable. Following heavy use that morning, the centre portions of the pitch and goal areas were like a bog. Despite their coaches warning, Andover failed to adapt to the conditions as well as Tadley, who more more the disciplined, using the flanks to greater advantage. Early injuries saw both substitutes used before half time and further illness followed. This was no excuse though as Andover conceded a goal either side of the break, both goals coming after Andover failed to close the ball down and Tadley took their chances. Andover never looked like worrying the Tadley goal and their goalkeeper was never made to make a serious save. This was Andovers first defeat and the closing portion of the season now depends on how they respond in the coming matches.

Andy Staff, Feb 25, 12:22

---

Andover Under 13s 'A' were hoping to get three points this week after their disappointing exit from the Hampshire Cup the previous week. Andover started very unconvincingly but found some luck and were 2-1 up at half time, with goals from Brad Staff and Sam Edwards. Barton Stacey played some good football throughout the match but we clinched the three points with a further goal from Billy Gilson. A deserved Man of the Match went to Matt Soper.

Andy Staff, Oct 30, 20:27

---

The second round of the Hampshire Cup saw us travelling down to Totton to play Testwood United. Andover started strongly with some good passing football. They went ahead early on but Testwood equalised shortly after. They continued to press forward and got a second goal just before half time. The second half started with another early goal from Andover but things went downhill from then, with a fourth goal disallowed. Testwood took advantage and got themselves back into the game with two fairly quick goals. The final score was a disappointing 5-3 loss.

Andy Staff, Oct 18, 20:05

---

Andover started this league Cup match agianst Oakley tentatively, taking a few minutes to work out who to pass the ball to. However, 15 minutes into the half they found their rythm and started playing well. In a what seemed like as many minutes, they were 3 goals up with strikes from, once again, Matt Harper-Ronald, who started it with a quality goal into the top corner. Oakley struck back either side of the break, when Andover gave the ball away easily. The boys then got their act together again and three more goals followed in a more convincing display towards the end of the tie. Billy Gilson was impressive once again with his strong work rate up and down the pitch. Good performances by Jake Parker at left back and Noah Young in goal were commented on by the Andover supporters on the sidelines, but once again the solid and dependable Jack Deery at the back got man of the match. Andover won 6-3, their fourth win on the trot. report written by Steve Parker.

Andy Staff, Oct 06, 19:07

---

Andover U13 A team sponsored by Fairoak Timber Products, secured their third win in a row despite struggling to finish well at Hatchwarren. After squandering several well worked chances, Andover went behind going into the break. In the second half, the lads continued to press and create good scoring chances and it looked like one of those days, until Matt Harper-Ronald pulled out one of those quality finishes that decide a game. His dipping ,edge of box shot, into the right hand corner of Hatchwarrens goal drew Andover level and was just reward for good build up play. A few minutes later, a second goal came from the boot of Bradley Staff, when he calmly slotted home a through ball. Andover won the game 2-1 but it should have been 6 or 7. Two stalwart defensive displays by Mark Ingram and Jack Deery, won them joint Man of the Match. by Steve Parker

Andy Staff, Oct 02, 19:45

---

Andover Under 13's 'A' team, sponsored by Fairoak Timber Products, met Alresford Town in the Hampshire Cup in their second game of the season. The boys started well and went 2-0 up very early on in the game. Alresford hit back with a goal but were not strong enough to penetrate the Andover defence on too many occasions. The scoreline was 4-1 at half time, and the Andover team started strong again in the second half to score a further six goals. The final result was 10-3 to Andover. Well done to all the squad on another good performance.

Andy Staff, Sep 21, 20:24

---

Andover FC Under 13s 'A' are playing in Division One of the PHYL League this season (2009-2010) after being relegated from the Premier League. The first game of the season for Andover FC 'A' was at home against Oakley and they were keen to start their campaign off with a win. Unfortunately, after a slow start, they found themselves 2-0 down but a goal by Brad Staff just before half time lifted their spirits. The second half saw a great improvement, with some good football being played by all the boys and two further goals by Matthew Harper-Ronald and Sam Edwards gave the home side a 3-2 win, giving them their first three points.

Andy Staff, Sep 21, 20:22

---