Andover began with the first pushback against top of the league New Forest. The passing was swift from the home side with linking moves down the right which led to a ball crossed into the D and Sue’s first time strike hitting the backboard.

Andover were buoyant with the midfield of Karen, Nomes and Rhea running rings around the league leaders. We applied pressure for the first 20 minutes with Gabby charging down the right and putting some telling crosses across the D.

New Forest regrouped which led to a defensive mistake allowing them to equalise before the break. Andover rallied in the second half, but New Forest pressed causing Andover’s defence to make several goal line clearances, with Karmen pulling off an exceptional save with her stick.

Andover continued to press with runs from Sammy and Kate challenging the New Forest backline. Carley and Sharon worked tirelessly up front but New Forest continued to press scoring in the closing moments of the game. An unfortunate result, but still encouraging steps in the right direction.