Andover 4 Bournemouth II 3.

ANDOVER took their unbeaten run to six matches with a 4-3 home win over Bournemouth II at John Hanson School.

The town side have lost just once in 2014 and their form has seen them mount a late push to burst into the promotion places.

Jamie Hacker grabbed a brace to add to his season’s impressive tally while Jack Trott was also on the score sheet.

After the victory Hacker praised his side, he said: “This result shows just how far we have come, earlier in the season we didn’t compete against these opponents but this time round we deserved to win and did.

“Our record this year has been sublime, we are taking it one game at a time and hope to remain unbeaten and see how high we can finish.”

Andover were quickest out of the blocks and took the lead when Sam Cowley’s flick was deflected home by a Bournemouth defender.

The visitors levelled but were soon behind again when Hacker broke into the area and fired hard across goal into the far corner although the scores were levelled before half-time.

After the break Andover edged ahead when Hacker slammed home from a penalty corner and Trott extended the lead when he popped up at the back post to convert Sam Goacher’s cross.

A penalty stroke brought Bournemouth back within touching distance but Andover defended doggedly and saw out the remaining minutes.

Andover face Havant tomorrow in Tidworth hoping to continue their fine form.

Full round up from Andover Hockey Club in Friday's Advertiser