Braces from Felipe Barcelos, Joe Selman, Scott Rees and an own goal from Jamie Pollard allowed the Blues to dominate proceedings. The away side did manage to pull a goal back midway into the second-half but it was too little too late as Andover exit the competition.

The game burst into life right from the opening minutes when Joe Selman pounced on a loose ball on the edge of penalty area before firing his shot over the crossbar.

Jason Silver responded by curling an effort from outside of the box but his attempt was held well by Paul Strudley in the Thatcham goal.

Silver then produced another opportunity for the travelling team and came close to opening the scoring when his tight-angled chip rattled the crossbar 15 minutes into the game

But the visitors’ hard work was undone when Selman’s driven cross was nodded in by Andover’s Pollard to give town an early advantage.

Jordan Williams broke down the left and tried to force a second for the hosts minutes later when his well-times cross found an unmarked Barcelos. Unfortunately for the Blues, the forward’s header drifted just wide of the far post.

Andover worked their way back into proceedings and Silver’s lashed effort on the edge of the box flew just over the crossbar in the 20th minute.

Sweltering conditions at The Stacatruc Stadium saw the referee take a short drinks break midway into the first half to allow the players to maintain their hydration.

Barcelos doubled the lead when play resumed after a lofted ball left the striker alone with Andover goalkeeper Chris Wing. Barcelos made no mistake in skipping past his opponent before sliding the ball into an empty net.

Dominant attacking play was the key for Thatcham’s third goal on the stroke of the half-time. The referee played advantage after Scott Rees was fouled which allowed Barcelos to slide a through ball to Selman who slotted past Wing with ease.

The speed of Thatcham forward Barcelos became more and more evident as the game continued. The Blues striker completely bypassed the defence with a darting run before being cut out by Wing to prevent further damage.

But the Berkshire-based club made it apparent that they were taking no prisoners by continuing to press for a fourth goal after the break. Barcelos’ releasing pass allowed Kyle Tooze to brush aside Andover captain Jamie Coleman before being brought down by the skipper for a penalty.

Barcelos stepped up to take the spot-kick and slid the ball into the bottom corner to extend their commanding advantage in the 65th minute.

Moments later Andover were presented with a consolation goal when Luke Hooper found himself free before turning and firing past Strudley to make it 4-1. The visitors had an opportunity to get themselves back into the match but Silver’s unchallenged shot was tipped onto the post.

Thatcham rounded off a fine performance when Selman added his second of the match to make it 5-1. The winger found himself alone in the centre of the penalty area where he executed a low effort past Wing.

But there was enough time for a sixth when Rees smashed home in the latter stages of the game. The midfielder continued to pressure the Andover back four and produced a scintillating finish from outside of the box which flew into the top corner to completely deplete the travelling fans and bring the score line to a resounding 7-1.

Teams:

Thatcham Town: Strudley, Miller, Williams, Rees, Angell, Day (C) Jeacock, Willmoth, Tooze, Barcelos, Selman,

Substitutes: Barder, Alexander, Westlake, Tennant, Fragata, Kelly, Stanley

Andover New Street: Wing, Keogh, Silver, Coleman, Scot, Pollard, Lock, Marriner, Hooper, Warshaw, Curtis

Substitutes: Rae, Mayo, Mills, Tomlin, Allen