Scorers : Ibrahim Olutade 3, Charlie Gunson 19, Lewis Benson 81/ Dan Miller 1, Dan Mason 23
Date : Tuesday 23rd February 2016 - 7:45pm - Sydenhams Wessex Premier
Andover Town : Jamie Bray, Joe Woodward (Jordan O’Donell 59), Craig Blakeman, Chris Onoufriou, Connor Cocklin, Luke Dempsey, Sammy Perun (Lewis Grange 71), Lewis Benson [c], Charlie Gunson, Ibrahim Olutade, Dani Cadete (MaCauley Stubbs 86)
Yellow Card :
Sholing : Ryan Gosney, Kevin Brewster, Jack Smith, Owen Roundell, Dan Miller, Jamie Bulpitt, Barry Mason (Nick Yeomans 65), Alex Sawyer (Dean Faithfull 45), Dan Mason, Byron Mason [c], Jake Hoole (Liam Attrill 85). Subs not used: Jordan Brooks, Jack Attrill
Yellow Card : Alex Sawyer, Liam Attrill
Attendance : 85 (20 Sholing fans)
Man of the Match : Byron Mason
Referee : Peter Lowe Assistants: Lee Suggett & Michael Ridge
SHOLING were leapfrogged in the Wessex Premier League following a 3-2 defeat to Andover in an entertaining match, on a cold night in north Hampshire.
Dan Miller had given the boatmen an early lead, heading home within a minute, but a gifted leveller and smartly taken second gave Andover the advantage. Dan Mason scored his first goal since November to level the scores but a late free kick meant that Sholing drop to sixth.
Sholing flew into an early lead at the Portway Stadium, and led within a minute. Byron Mason's powerful drive was only parried but Jamie Bray in the Andover goal, and DAN MILLER was on hand to nod in the rebound and put the visitors ahead with just 58 seconds on the clock.
But the lead was short lived in a half that would continue to epitomise end-to-end football. Barry Mason failed to put enough on his pass back to Ryan Gosney, gifting Ibrahim Olutade the chance to steal in behind the Sholing defence. After selling the ‘keeper the 17-year-old forward then lofted the ball into the empty net.
The equaliser came just 93 seconds after Sholings opener but the goals didn't stop steaming in. Owen Roundell came close, but could only flash his effort from a corner over the bar. At the other end the pacey trio of Olutade, Dani Cadete and Sammy Perun were causing the boatmen problems. The latter’s mazy skilful run saw him skip past Jack Smith and work room for a cross which, although deflected, fell for Charlie Gunson who smartly rifled a volley into the roof of the net.
Sholing continued to push - having already seen efforts from Alex Sawyer and Jamie Bulpitt well closed and blocked - and looked to probe from dangerous set-price routines. A succession a corners came to no avail but the hosts continued to look vulnerable from aerial bombardment.
Dan Mason, without a goal since his brace against Team Solent in November tested Bray with a swift turn and fierce shot, and moments later was able to return to the scoring sheet. Gosneys long ball was headed on by Byron Mason, and DAN MASON was quickest beyond the Andover back line to smash the ball home, for Sholing's second and his first in 87 days.
As the visitors pushed for more, with Byron Mason and Jamie Bulpitt continuing to make strong runs and influence the middle of the park, they left space for the rapid Andover counters and the influential Lewis Benson - himself intent on pulling the strings in the centre of the pitch.
Olutade could have given his side the lead, but under pressure from Dan Miller, could only drag his shot narrowly wide of the far post to end a frantic 45 minutes of end to end football. HT 2-2
The second half promised much, but delivered less. Ryan Gosney was tested three times, twice from range, once from Olutade’s poked effort, but each time he was equal to his challenge.
On the hour mark Sholing had the chance to take the lead, in controversial circumstances. Another long ball was controlled by Byron Mason, but with a suggestion of handball the midfielder was able to shield the ball and square it across the Barry Mason. However the Andover defence was able to recover and clear Barry’s drive away from danger.
As the game failed to live up to the energy of the first half, chances became few and far between. Dani Cadete flicked an effort wayward for the hosts, while Dan Mason almost doubled his tally with a fierce drive and Jake Hoole saw his header gathered comfortably as the frost started to descend.
With ten minutes left captain Lewis Benson won a free-kick, despite seeming to ride the challenges and coming out with the ball. Despite their complaints regarding advantage. The midfielder was then able to step up and whip his free-kick over the wall & towards the diving Gosney, who seemed to have it in his grasp, but it went through his hands & into the net.
Sholing had their own qualms with the referee, but their claims for handball in the area were waved away and Andover came closer to killing the game when Olutade was sent through once again. His attempt the chip the ball was stopped by Gosney who spread himself well, buying his defenders time to recover. Fortunately the teenager could only muster a weak shot just past the post.
The Boatmen threw all the had at their host in the final moments including Dan Miller and Ryan Gosney operating as emergency strikers, but Byron Mason could only head over Sholings last chance to level the scores in the closing moments. FT 3-2
Report by Ollie Harvey
View from the stands: A very entertaining game of football, especially the first half which was played at break-neck speed from end to end. Andover's rapid front line would give anyone at this level a tough time and I'm sure a few clubs higher up the ladder will be casting their eye over 16 year old Olutade in the coming weeks. Sadly, all three goals conceded could have been avoided as errors continue to haunt us at the back. Good to see both the Dan's get on the scoresheet after a few months without a goal.
Thanks to Andover for their hospitality, lets hope the upcoming match between the two clubs at the Silverlake Arena is as entertaining as this was (but with a better result for us!)
Next game is away to Horndean on Saturday 3pm
Next home game is on Wednesday 2nd March v Lymington Town - 7:45pm kick off