ANDOVER ran out comfortable 6-1 winners over Bemerton Heath Harlequins after completely dominating the second 45 minutes, during the first game of the season.

The game could have been very different if Bemerton had taken their early chances, in Rae Hughes’ first game in charge.

Lloyd Thomas, in the Andover goal, was in fine form to keep out Russell Jones from point blank range on three separate occasions.

Andover scored first when a dangerous ball was whipped in from the right and the Andover forward Zach Glasspool volleyed home unmarked. Bemerton kept creating though and Jones made no mistake when through one on one, slotting the ball under the keeper to equaliser just five minutes before the half.

The lead didn’t last long and in the last minute of the first half Reece Rusher clinically finished from close range.

The second half was a completely one-sided affair. Andover scored in the second minute and controlled things from then on, and the fourth, fifth and sixth followed.

Bemerton manager Rae Hughes spoke after the game and said: “Andover were clinical in both boxes all night.

“First half they had two chances and scored both - we had five and scored one.

“At this level that just isn’t good enough.

“The second half was disappointing, we stopped creating and gave the ball away far too easily. Andover are a good team with some top players for this level.

“We must learn and move on quickly, starting with Hamworthy in the FA Cup on Saturday”.