ANDOVER Hockey Club Ladies Seconds recorded a solid 1-0 victory over Fleet and Ewshot Ladies, without the help of captain Jacqui West.

The Seconds’ skipper was unavailable for the match, but this made her team even more determined to put in a good performance in her absence.

Play was end-to-end in the first few minutes with Fleet getting the first shot on goal which was thwarted on the line by team newcomer Liz Hacker.

Some superb intercepting from Amie Bridge and tireless work from Hannah Allmark and Carley Lambert down the right wing, meant Andover were first to capitalise on their efforts.

They were awarded a free hit outside the D and from it a great run from Nicky Hepworth drew the defenders away to free up space for Lambert to send a perfectly timed pass to Louise Cuff.

She out foxed two defenders, shooting the ball across the goal for man-of-the-match, Sally Prior, who deflected it past an off balanced Fleet keeper to give Andover the lead.

Fleet retaliated after half-time, but with fine saves and more excellent defensive play from Hazel Stacey, Suzie Oostendorp, Bridge and Allmark the home team were denied.

Andover had further chances through Rebecca Milton, who produced a fine display of skill and speed down the line.

This forced an error from the opposition’s defender, awarding Andover a penalty corner, but they were unable to put the shot past the keeper.

Another chance came with a superb shot across goal from Lambert, but Cuff and Janette Griffiths Jones missed connecting with the ball by the narrowest of margins.

Andover will now take the confidence of this win through to their next game at home against top of the division New Forest.

Meanwhile Andover Ladies Thirds (pictured) were thrashed 6-0 in their bottom of the league clash with Haslemere Ladies.

The young Thirds started well with Sophia Kidd dominating the midfield and Kiera Seabrook and Rosie Kavanagh outpacing the Haslemere defence.

However the visitors struck against the run of play 15 minutes in.

Andover dug deep and pushed forward through Charlotte King and Laura Green, but were again knocked on the stroke of half-time.

Haslemere scored from a debatable penalty flick moments from the break and, with Andover steel reeling, the visitors scored again to earn them a 3-0 lead.

Andover regrouped at the break and were unlucky not to scored from a number of short corners after the break.

Kristin Romer-Lee and Rosie Kavanagh continued to look dangerous in attack, while Zoe Fettes, Tiff Fish and Emma Goacher continued to impress in defence.

However with 20 minutes to go Haslemere broke Andover’s resistance, scoring three more goals to earn a 6-0 win.

In other results, Andover Ladies Firsts were beaten 4-3 away at Trojans Thirds.