Cook scores, but Andover New Street loses to Cowes Sports

This was the first time Street had welcomed Cowes Sports to the DH Property Services Stadium at Foxcotte Park.

The Andover side, without Luke Dempsey, gave Alfie Saunders a full debut in midfield, and he started brightly.

Play was largely even before the home side found themselves trailing after just eight minutes. A low cross from the right through a fairly static defense was turned past Ben Rodwell by Liam Triggs. (0-1)

But Street quickly got back into the game as Sean Dallimore’s quick throw-in caused problems before Joe Chamberlain headed a second effort across the area. Ross Cook rose to head the ball over the stuck hat. (1-1)

That goal came eight minutes into Cowes’ opener and Street were ahead almost immediately. Once again, Dallimore was involved, finding Cook just outside the area and curling his low shot into the corner of the net. (2-1)

The home side began to apply pressure in search of a third goal with two corners in quick succession and the tired Hatt saved efforts from Dallimore and Harry Lawton.

But with 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Street shot himself in the foot with the ball cleared in midfield and Cowes’ quick break ended with George Carter-Knight calmly slotting the ball past Rodwell. (2-2)

Brad Waters’ through ball was just inches away from Cook but the first half was level.

The Islanders were quicker in their step at the start of the second half and within three minutes were back in front.

It looked a rather strange goal from the sidelines with more than one Cowes player involved before the ball went over Rodwell and into the net. Cowes attributed the goal to Jimmy Mumford. (2-3)

Street’s first change saw Malachai Dotse replace Brad Waters and Hatt had to immediately abandon his line to deny the speedy youngster. Despite all their efforts, Street were unable to achieve the equaliser.