Andover New Street wrote another page in the club’s history on Saturday when they reached the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time by defeating Thatcham Town 2-1 at the Berkshire Club’s Waterside Park ground, writes John Gorman.

Thatcham have a long history in the FA Cup competitions, frequently reaching the latter stages of the qualifying rounds and also winning the FA Vase in 2018.

Added to that they currently play in the Southern League, having been transferred from the Isthmian League this season, much to their dismay, which is a level above New Street who are enjoying a second successive season in the Wessex League Premier Division.

After a quiet start the home side took the lead in the eighth minute when Kyle Daniel-Spray scored from close range but Street resisted further pressure and as the half reached its halfway point, they scored twice inside five minutes to turn the scoreline on its head.

Firstly, Ryan Griffiths demonstrated his pace on the left and his low cross was turned in by Lewis Williams at the far post, continuing the latter’s goalscoring start to the season. (1-0)

With the home side now on the back foot a Shane Lock cross caused panic in the defence, Callum Sweeney’s shot was blocked and Corey Taylor-Kelly forced the ball over the line for his first goal for the Club. (2-0)

No further goals in the first half and none in the second when despite Thatcham understandably having a greater share of possession, the Street defence in front of keeper Matt Fredericks, who twice saved well, were both disciplined and determined and the whole side fully deserved the applause from their delighted supporters at the final whistle.

Their reward for the victory is an away tie at Southern League club Gosport Borough next Saturday, August 31.

So, Street still remain unbeaten this season and there was a slight element of revenge in the day’s result.

Back in 2018 the two sides met previously in the competition at the same venue with Thatcham winning 7-1, with only Matt Scott and Shane Lock playing in both matches.

However, on Tuesday, the winning run came to an end with a single-goal defeat at Alton in the Hampshire Senior Cup.

This is a competition that clubs are compelled to enter and the county’s decision to hold the first round between rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase often leads to clubs fielding weakened sides.

New Street utilised most of their squad over the 90 minutes with the winning goal coming some 13 minutes from the end.

This Saturday marks the opening of this season’s FA Vase and New Street are at home to fellow Wessex League side Lymington Town with the normal 3pm kick off.